Question

Are You Ready?

Just before Doug went home from his job as a cook on Friday night, the restaurant manager informed him that she would be taking the next two weeks off, and that she was appointing Doug to take her place starting Monday. Although Doug has more seniority than the other employees and is an excellent cook, he doesn't feel confident in being able to handle the manager’s job. Doug doesn't feel comfortable dealing with the customers, using the cash register, or handling conflicts that may arise between employees. He feels that he will fail at being able to fill her shoes.

Question: What should Doug do?

Answer 1

This is an opportunity for Doug to not only bank upon his seniority but also to learn about the leadership skills. Some may have skills but are so latent in nature that without a push, it is difficult to get known to the same. Many a times, people are under-confident with themselves because they are not given reasonable scope to perform certain activities, as a result of which, over a period of time, they tend to lose confidence in themselves towards such work. If Doug’s manager has asked him to take over her place for the coming two weeks, then it is a possibility that the Manager may have seen something good or worth-exploring in Doug. Without being given a chance, Doug cannot prove himself his worth. He needs to accept this challenge and make best use of it. Alternatively, Doug may also try servant leadership. The advantages of Servant leadership are that this theory strives to the best to incorporate all the expectations of the teammates with the view to build an Organizational environment which is most conducive for the growth and benefits rendered to the employees. The main aspect that makes Servant leadership thus superior than other forms of leadership in contemporary times is that it believes in putting the teammates first before themselves unlike in case of the Traditional leadership styles where the subordinates are required to adjust or accommodate themselves as per the leaders’ approaches for achieving more feasible results. Owing to all this features, servant leadership can impact follower’s attitudes and behaviors in Organization and in turn, also get their wiling cooperation, thereby making the manager’s job relatively easier. Further, because of the team’s support, he may also be able to undertake his job with more confidence.