Question

THINKING CRITICALLY Case 9-A: Making a Mark as a Leader Robert Mark is twenty-two years old and will ing his BS degree versity in Montreal at the end of this semester. He spent po the past two summers working for Montreal Insurance newal notices Services (MIS), filling in on a number of different jobs policies, to tabulate any changes in premiu standardized table, and to advise the sales div ms f be reciv- in mathematics from Concordia Uni- licy is to be canceled as a result of nonresponse t Robert's department is composed of individ hile employees took their vacations. He's received and ranging in age from ninete en to sixty-two years. Th accepted an offer to join MIS as a supervisor in the pol- median age is thirty-eight. The salary range for p icy renewal department on a permanent basis upon renewal representatives is $2,480 to $3,000 per graduation. in U.S. dollars). Robert will be replacing a lon Montreal Insurance Services is a large insurance MIS employee, Peter Finch. Peter is retiring after thi company. In the headquarters office alone, where Robert seven years with MIS, the last eleven spent as the po will work, there are 11,000 employees. The company be- renewal supervisor. Because Robert spent a few we lieves strongly in the personal development of its em- Peter's department last summer, he's familiar ployees. This translates into a philosophy, flowing down Peter's leadership style and knows most of the depa from senior officials, of trust and respect for all MIS meozeos. He anticipates employees. no problems from any fbis s to-be employees, except, possibly, for The job Robert will be assuming requires him to Garsvich. Urt is well into his forties, has been a policy work with and supervise the activities of eignteen pol newal representative for more than sixteen years, and as icy renewal representatives. The unit's job responsibil- one of the senior members of the department, carries ity is to ensure that renewal notices are sent on current lot of weight with other employees. It may be importa

answer questions 1,2,3 in depth

Answer 1

The critical factors which we define Robert's success as a leader are the ability to motivate the team and facilitate cooperation to achieve the benefits of a cohesive team effort for achieving optimal output for the team with absolute participation of every member. This necessitates an effective strategy for conflict management to show that the entire team works together towards the achievement of departmental and organizational goal along with optimal individual output and performances for personal growth. Every individual has unique needs and may be motivated by different factors due to the inherent value within the reward for achieving a certain performance being very different for different individuals. Societies fine every individual it is essential that the needs of the individuals for achievement, affiliation, and power be adequately fulfilled identification of the personalities of every individual in the team and understanding which needs would hold maximum value for them and providing job profiles on the basis of these values along with matching skills with the job profile. Job satisfaction requires fulfillment of these needs why job performance may be achieved by optimal team management for motivation to excel. Maximum efficiency is achieved by creating an environment of satisfaction which results in optimal performance.1) Effective team cognition should be developed as this consists of a decision-making process which is cooperative and at the same time shows that the team has similar mental models. This would ensure a perfect exchange of knowledge within the team the stable knowledge of the project and the dynamic knowledge of the situation at hand. This is achieved through a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of each member towards the achievement of desired goals which promotes more efficient interaction and implements coordination within the team processes at the same time understanding individual needs. The aim of this is to maximize the mental overlap to ensure shared knowledge within the team for working towards shared goals. Collaborative communication processes which ensure sharing and flow of communication for every task. It also ensures that the diverse group is trained to work as a team and all required methods are put into use such as the briefing, error corrections, relational communication it is very important to cohesion and indirect techniques for assessment of continued progress towards goals. Unified team vs Team which tends to polarize can usually impact the outcome of any project. Effective team cognition is very essential and it is training which enables the team to rule out various kinds of conflict such as an informational conflict and cognitive conflict which can result in operational conflict and sabotage the success of the project. It is required to maintain effective team coordination.

2) Participative leadership or democratic leadership would be the most effective style for Robert as it achieves the perfect balance between the autocratic and the delegative styles of leadership. It is not excessively controlling like the autocratic nor excessively delegative by retaining minimal control, decision making power and authority within itself. The democratic leader encourages participation of the entire group while retaining substantial authority and decision making power with themselves. This leads to increased performance by engagement of the entire group resulting in motivation and accountability for the entire team why is the leader provides absolute guidance and support through the entire process. It encourages Innovation and creativity by motivating the entire team towards participation and initiative by providing adequate empowerment and fulfilling the need for power and affiliation within the work environment mail also providing adequate opportunities for the fulfillment of the need for achievement.

The team style is the optimal leadership style as per the managerial grid, as it fulfills every duty by adopting the best option with overall concern for all stakeholders and most positive outcome for all concerned leading to benefit for and harm to none. In displaying in not firing will the manager did not neglect the duty towards the company and the owners or top management. Cooperation and collaboration are essential elements of relationships within a teams work environment and it is essential we understand the importance of these attributes to manage tough situations, meet impossible deadlines, and ensure optimal performance. It is like a support system within our work sphere. To be achieved through effective communication and interpersonal skills.

3)To ensure no conflict arises and optimally utilize the expertize and experience of Uri Garavich, Robert should utilize a delegative or laissez-faire leadership style with him by providing adequate independence with authority and accountability. Delegative leadership style the most delegation of authority with responsibility and accountability with the minimal definition of expectations or support and guidance for the achievement of the desired goals. Performance of the entire team will not be negatively impacted with achievement and quality not being compromised due to lack of guidance and no clear instruction on what is to be achieved, how it is to be achieved and when it is to be achieved as the other members will have participative leadership. The lack of a clear definition of role and job will be an advantage as it will maximize effort and inputs from Uri across different roles to utilize his expertize and experience. This style of leadership may be successful in certain situations involving highly qualified and experienced experts requiring absolute autonomy for functioning especially in processes requiring creativity and innovation.