Q7: Goleman Leadership Style in Action

Situation: My team was struggling to meet a tight deadline for a complex project. Morale was low, and some team members were feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their contributions.

Leadership Style: Coaching

Rationale: I chose the coaching style for this situation because it aligned with the following needs:

• Developing Individual Potential: Instead of dictating solutions, I utilized active listening and open-ended questions to draw out each team member’s strengths and expertise. This empowered them to identify their own solutions and build confidence in their abilities.
• Building Relationships: The supportive and empathetic nature of coaching fostered a safe space for team members to voice their concerns and anxieties. This strengthened psychological safety and trust within the team, creating a more collaborative and supportive environment.
• Long-Term Development: By focusing on goal setting, feedback, and self-reflection, I aimed to equip team members with the skills and mindset to navigate future challenges independently. This fostered continuous learning and growth within the team.

Outcome: Utilizing the coaching style helped turn the project around. Team members felt valued and engaged, leading to increased productivity and creative problem-solving. We met the deadline successfully, and the team emerged from the experience with a stronger sense of cohesion and confidence.

Terms and Concepts from Chapter Reading:

• Emotional Intelligence (EI): The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Coaching relies heavily on EI to create a supportive and motivating environment.
• Leadership Agility: The ability to adapt leadership styles to different situations and needs. Recognizing the specific challenges facing my team and choosing the appropriate style demonstrates leadership agility.
• Empowerment: The process of increasing someone’s authority, responsibility, and motivation. Coaching empowers team members to take ownership of their work and find solutions independently.

Q8: Reflecting on Business Continuity

Useful Expansion:

• Recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of various organizational functions within a business continuity plan.
• Understanding the importance of effective communication and clear protocols in managing disruptions.
• Learning about the psychological impact of crises and the need for emotional support during recovery.

Questions:

• How can technology be utilized effectively in business continuity planning and response?
• What are the ethical considerations involved in making difficult decisions during crises?
• How can organizations foster a culture of preparedness and resilience among employees?

Career Takeaways:

• The critical importance of risk management and proactive planning in ensuring organizational stability.
• The need for multidisciplinary collaboration and leadership skills to navigate unforeseen challenges.
• The value of compassion and emotional intelligence in supporting employees through disruptions and maintaining company morale.