Blog Post #4- Assumptions and Styles

As you reflect on the assumptions of Theory X and Y, how would you describe your own philosophy of leadership?

To me Theory X and Y are at opposite ends of the spectrum. I feel like my philosophy lies somewhere in between the two. Although I consider myself to be a goal oriented person, always making sure that I meet my set goals, I know that they will only get you so far without any connections. I feel like a person can be very motivated, always setting goals for themselves and those around them, but if they aren’t social their efforts can possibly fall short.

Of the three styles of leadership, what style comes easiest for you?  Describe how people respond to you when you use the style.

Personally I don’t think that any one of the three types comes the easiest to me, but I do find myself using one more than the other. Of the three I tend to use the authoritarian type of leadership more often. Not because I like to give orders but because I have come to realize that that is the best way to get a small group of children to listen to you. I am the oldest of five kids and growing up I have always been left in charge of them. Which is why I tend to use that type of leadership. Often times when I don’t show this type of leadership when I am in that position, especially when I am around my brothers and sisters, they find it odd. However, I feel like this type of leadership fits me because  I know that I am the type of person that will hold high expectations and to accomplish this I will set up goals, because I know that those in the group will ultimately meet my expectations by achieving the goals.

One of the aspects of democratic leadership is to help subordinates take responsibility for themselves.  How do you assess your own ability to help others help themselves?

Although I am the type of person that will do anything to help somebody out, I don’t like to make the situation too easy that they will not learn anything from it.

List three specific activities you could use to improve your leadership style.

1. Continue to practice different types of problem solving, simply because not one way is going to fit every type of situation.

2.  Work on communication skills as one thing may not be seen in the same way by others.

3. Team building exercises, because a leader is only that if it has a group that listens to them.