Question

You have emerged as the leader of your business finance group project in class. Your group has been working together for five weeks on the major part of the project, the in-class group presentation. One group member has missed quite a few group meetings lately and is minimally contributing to the ideas and final product for the in-class presentation. This group member is a junior in finance with a minor in communications and stated that she is an expert in PowerPoint and multimedia presentations. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit?

Answer 1

Answer:

Based on SLII, the leadership style you should exhibit in this case is:

Directing.

Explanation:

Directing as a leadership style should not be done in total isolation of the other leadership styles.  While the junior member can be delegated to handle the organization of the PowerPoint presentation, there is need to initially direct, coach, and support this member to ensure that group objectives are attained.

Directing ensures that this junior member is properly instructed and supervised.

Coaching ensures that the junior member, having shown some level of competence, is fully engaged to develop all the required skill-set.

Supporting enhances the competence level of the junior group member.  This can be achieved through the active participation of the leader in the junior's assignments.

Delegating ensures that the ultimate leadership goal is attained, and this happens when the junior's competence cannot be questioned.