3D- LEADERSHIP STYLE
By Paul B. Thornton
BOOK : “The Big 3 Management Styles”
3D- LEADERSHIP STYLEAccording to author :
There are three basic management styles: • Directing • Discussing • Delegating.
Leadership Style 1 – “DIRECTING”
The manager tells the employee or a group of employees the following:
What to do ? How it’s to be done? When to have it completed by ?
?
THE MANAGERS :Assigns roles and responsibilities, sets
standards, and defines expectations
=> Appropriate: 1. Employees lack experience and don’t
know what to do2. Mandate from senior management 3. In emergency situations
Eric Berne’s book, “Games People Play”
Berne described the three parts that exist in each of us—the parent, the child, and the adult.
The child part The parent part The adult part
uninhibited control mature
creative order rational
curious stability calm
impulsive judgmental Realistic , logical
=> The one who reacts by whining, rebelling, or acting stubborn.
=> The parent is always right and doesn’t have to explain or justify his/her actions
=> Lack in spontaneity and feelings
The mature person has a balance of each of
the three parts
Some managers take on the role of parent,
forcing employees to assume the role of child
A healthier relationship between manager and employee is an adult to adult relationship
=> You need to organize your thoughts before you begin to direct others.
Provide written instructions (if the directions are complex or lengthy)
Sometimes it is necessary to make sure the employee fully understands the directions
( By ask the employee to explain in his own words what you want done)
Leadership Style 2 – “DISCUSSING”
Discuss : speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail;
Eg : Have a discussion
DISCUSSING STYLE MEANINGAsk focused questions to solicit ideas
and opinionsWhat’s our goal? What’s the problem?
What are our options? What’s our plan? How should we proceed? When does it need to be done by? Who should do it? Why are we doing this?
Managers need to ask genuine questions: “What do you think we should do?”
Some managers ask rhetorical questions : “Don’t you think it would be a good idea if we…”
In group settings, managers should not allow one or two people to dominate the discussion
Þ Ask questions and get everyone involved
Advise
When you use the discussing style you need to be open, curious, and interested in learning what each of your employees thinks.
Probe and dig
Ask follow-up questions as needed.
Observe body language
…
Leadership Style 3 – “DELEGATING”
Delagate = give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person)
Transfer power to someone
?
DELEGATING STYLE MEANINGManagers direct or discuss what needs to
be accomplished and when it must be completed.
The employee will take action and make decisions.
Employees are given power and authority to make it happen.
Managers need to get feedback at appropriate intervals to insure appropriate progress is being made.
DELEGATING STYLE MEANING
The delegating style is appropriate when employees have the experience, skills, and motivation to get the job done. (Experienced employees want freedom to take action and solve problems on their own)
Certainly there are times when managers delegate tasks that are outside an employee’s comfort zone.
ADVICE1. Delegate tasks that challenge employees
but don’t overwhelm them. Don’t over-delegate to
the same one or two “star” performers.
2. When delegating a long-term project, establish specific follow up dates. It is useful for you to frequently ask yourself: Am I doing something I could easily delegate to someone else?