Question

Carlos prides himself on being able to hire skilled team members and then letting them take initiative and responsibility for their tasks. He sets high standards for each of his employees. John has been on Carlos's team for 6 months and feels that he is not competent enough and, therefore, becomes less motivated. According to the path-goal theory of leadership effectiveness, what would be the best course of action in helping John?

Answer 1

Answer:

B) Carlos should listen to and encourage John and also coach John to accomplish tasks.

Explanation:

The whole idea behind the path-goal theory of leadership is that effective leaders can provide a clear path to their employees that leads them to achieving their goals, enhancing the overall performance and productivity of the organization.

You probably heard before the expression that a chain is as strong as its weakest link, and this theory focuses on that belief. A leader is responsible for encouraging and providing support to his/her subordinates or team members, and the leader is responsible for the team members' performance, and success or failure in achieving their goals.

Carlos chose John as part of his team, and Carlos brags about being extremely picky and demanding. But being a team leader is not just about bragging rights, he must show them the path to success. It is Carlos's responsibility to encourage John and provide any coaching or assistance that he needs to perform properly, since John's failure is ultimately Carlos's failure.  

Answer 2

Answer:

Here is the complete question with options

Carlos prides himself on being able to hire skilled team members and then letting them take initiative and responsibility for their tasks. He sets high standards for each of his employees. John has been on Carlos's team for 6 months and feels that he is not competent enough and, therefore, becomes less motivated. According to the path-goal theory of leadership effectiveness, what would be the best course of action in helping John?

a. Carlos should seek John's feedback on important business decisions so that he feels more competent and valued.

b. Carlos should listen to and encourage John and also coach John to accomplish tasks.

c. Carlos should hold John accountable for his performance and set high expectations.

d. Carlos should adopt an achievement-oriented leadership style with John

The answer to this question is b. Carlos should listen to and encourage John and also coach John to accomplish tasks.

Explanation:

From the details given in the question as regards John's feeling towards his level of competence, it is best that Carlos employs the Directive leadership style which will enable him to give John the required guidance and direction, and schedules work according to the expectation.

Carlos needs to take the position of a coach and encourage John as well as giving him directives to help him carry out his tasks.

Hence the answer is b. Carlos should listen to and encourage John and also coach John to accomplish tasks.