Navy Commander D. Michael Abrashoffs Leadership Model To Demonstrate Leadership Theories - Essay Example

Running Head: Case study of Navy commander D. Michael Abrashoff’s leadership model to demonstrate leadership theories al Affiliation……………………….) Case study of Navy commander D. Michael Abrashoff’s leadership model to demonstrate leadership theories Lester has defined leadership as the knack of getting other people to follow you and to make them willingly do the things; you need them to do. (Nair & Oommen, 1994). To be successful and efficient in the current management scenarios, let it be social institution management or a corporate management, the decisive factor is the skill to lead the team as a single work force towards a unified vision. To pursue those leadership skills and eventually be a leader who can motivate changes leading to success would be crucial to persist in the ever rising competitive demands of various industries. In this session we would be reviewing the leadership skills displayed by Navy commander D. Michael Abrashoff, in order to define and learn different theories of leadership. This review would be well backed by the statement of impact of these theories on the work force relating them to the leadership model of Navy commander D. Michael Abrashoff who captioned the three hundred highly skilled sailors of USS Benfold. This case study was selected, as the leadership skills which are being reviewed would fit into the improvisation methodology of any management scenario. The three main theories relating to leadership are the Trait theory, Situation theory and the Behavioral theory (Nair & Oommen, 1994). Trait theory The trait theory suggests that there are some identifiable qualities or characteristics that should be possessed by the leaders and the degree of efficacy of a leader would be directly proportional to the extent of these qualities or characteristics held by them. Some of the qualities which fall under the trait theory are as following Intelligence A leader should be able to understand the context and content of his designation and assigned responsibilities. The dynamics of internal and external environmental variables which would affect the activities of the enterprise should be grasped well by the leader. It also implies to the technical competence and sound general education of the leader. The leadership quality of intelligence was reflected a number of times in the leadership model set by D. Michael Abrashoff while captioning the three hundred highly skilled sailors of USS Benfold, the U.S. Navys warship. His technical competence was proved as he had an excellent service record, combat experience, and had held prestigious posts in Washington, DC. Moreover his technical expertise had provided Benfold the reputation of being the best ship in the Pacific fleet. He could analyze the smartness and talent of his crew within no time and he viewed the internal and external environmental variables through the eyes of the crew. It was his ability to grasp the work situation realities, which enabled him to restructure the food procurement system subsequently saving money while improving the quality. Abrashoff further put his efforts to realize the background and capabilities of each staff in order to positively make use of it. Personality The trait of personality, rather than physical appearance implies to the inner-personality qualities like self confidence, emotional stability and maturity, open mindedness, decisiveness, strong drive, achievement orientation, purposefulness, discipline, skill in getting along with others, integrity in character and a tendency to be cooperative. There are numerous indicators to the positive leadership personality of D. Michael Abrashoff. He had the open mindedness to have personal talks with each and every member of the crew and showed the patience to listen to them. The fact that this initiative was taken positively by the crew and came out with suggestions which resultantly improvised the work environment and the combat-readiness ratings indicated the team’s trust on the integrity of the leader’s innovation. The easy smile he always had in his face despite being a military leader suggested his emotional stability. His relaxed confidence was backed by his achievement oriented decisions which was reflected all through his mentorship. He focused on the purpose than on official jargons. Though not through a too much formal process, he could ensure to maintain disciple within the team. He extended fullest cooperation to his subordinates as proved while encouraging Lieutenant Jason Michal, the engineering-department head, to initiate uninterrupted innovations when preparing for engineering certification process. Communication Effective communication was always ensured by the navy commander right from the introductory interview process he had with each individual of his crew. He also ensured communication and enthusiasm among the team by organizing various entertainment activities like music which in turn boosted their morale. He introduced surveys to find out dissatisfaction factors and to ensure equal distribution of opportunities. He even conducted a financial wellness survey. His readiness to hear was an exemplary leadership quality .Abrashoff made a habit of broadcasting ideas over the ships loudspeakers. Situation Theory It asserts that leadership is a product of relationship in between situations and the peculiarities of the work group. The leadership qualities will differ according to the demands of the situation. The situational variables considered by various researchers are the following. Leader-member relations The effectiveness in the Leader-member relations was ensured by Abrashoff as he held personal interactions with team members so as to understand them better and to solve the lacunas in the work environment. The liking of the team on the leader and his leadership was reiterated by the highest retention rate and as 100 percentage of the Benfolds career sailors signed on for an additional tour under his command. Task structure It refers to the clear and unambiguous definition of work to be done and goals to be achieved. Abrashoff made some effective task structural changes like the change in the process of the ship’s rust prevention and food procurement which proved to be successful both in terms of quality and economy. He shifted the focus from the chain of commands to purpose and changed the organizing principle from obedience to performance. Power position Abrashoff formulated a very different approach towards the power position. He through his endeavors proved himself to be an authoritative leader, well blending authority and participation of the team. Different from other military officers, he had un-career conscious approach which helped him to earn the best evaluation of his life as well as a promotion to the post at Space and Naval Warfare. Behavioral theory Abrashoff’s behavioral approach towards various situations and circumstances that occurred in the team management proved him to be an effective leader in accordance to this theory as well. Conclusion An understanding on these theories of leadership would help one to respond to the needs of the team and emerging situations. When the dynamic and ever evolving process of leadership including innovation, interpretation, initiative, guidance and encouragement of teamwork is streamlined through these theories and the concerned qualities, it fetches qualitative and quantitative results proving one to be an effective leader. References LaBarre P (1999) The Agenda: Grass Root Leaderships, in Fast Company, Retrieved November 04, 2008, from http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/23/grassroots.html?page=0%2C0 Oommen, P. T., & Nair, N. S. (1994). Leadership, Business management, pp.L..1- L.7 Read More