Charisma in the Work Place

To properly navigate this sudden change in the work environment not only is a charismatic leader necessary but also an efficient leader. In Theories and Models, we learned through the Hersey and Blanchard situational theory that effective leadership can be seen in a multitude of ways. The Hersey and Blanchard theory of leadership has two major factors one which is the way a leader works with their followers and the other being the willingness and ability of their followers. This is analyzed with four different leadership styles and to go along with them four descriptors of followership. The four styles of leadership are directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. A directing leadership style is one that has definitive goals, makes the major group decisions on their own, and closely manages their followers. A coaching leadership style is one that asks the group for input but still makes the decisions after suggestions are made. A supporting leader allows followers to make the day to day decisions about tasks that have a direct impact on them. This leader is also very open to dialogue and input from the team. Lastly, a delegating leader usually has a team that can function very well on their own. The leader delegates tasks that need to be done but followers have more leniency on how they decide to complete such tasks as long as they are completed. The leader is still very much present but more in the sense of problem-solving and mitigating issues that may arise. According to Hersey and Blanchard, there are also varying types of followers and they are categorized on their ability and willingness. These combinations are broken down into R1, R2, R3, and R4. An R1 group is unable and unwilling followers, these followers tend to be insecure and lack motivation. An R2 group is unable but willing followers, these followers are motivated but cannot complete tasks. An R3 group is able but unwilling followers, these followers do not have motivation but know to complete tasks. Lastly, an R4 group is able and willing followers, these followers are confident and can complete the tasks they are assigned. Hersey and Blanchard make the distinction that leaders can shift their styles to adapt to the needs of their group. With COVID-19 making my internship remote it was difficult to provide an in-depth analysis using the Hersey and Blanchard model. I was not working in a group setting per se but my manager did alter the way she interacted with me as time went on. I would say this was specifically because of the state of the Nation and she understood that there were days when things would be difficult.