Week 5: Tomato Sandwich Day

This Monday was the MDAH’s annual Tomato Sandwich Day which, according to my coworkers, is “the best day of the year” and the day the MDAH’s style of leadership is on display. Tomato Sandwich Day occurs in summer and the entire department hosts a BLT potluck. The potluck always occurs after the Department’s quarterly meeting and is a reward for attendance.

The MDAH’s quarterly meeting is where the department discusses its goals, its main projects, and any important updates for the quarter. The Director of the MDAH led this meeting and her actions at the meeting characterized her as a transactional leader. She manages through exception and contingent reward. The meeting consisted of section directors giving updates on various projects. Because the Director manages through exception, each section works independently and is not given directions unless an issue occurs, which means each section head gives their own presentation.  Additionally, the Director reinforces good behavior through contingent reward. By attending the Department meeting, everyone gets BLTs at Tomato Sandwich Day. Also, because the department recently opened two new museums and the museums have been successful, the Department plans to give everyone a raise for their hard work.

Tomato Sandwich Day is an example of the transactional leadership used in the MDAH; however, the Director also uses transformational leadership. During the meeting, the Director acknowledged the hard work that three workers have given to the agency and how they will be missed in retirement. The Director also recognized the work of the technology department. In the end, the MDAH leaders have achieved success through both transactional leadership and transformational leadership.