Ralph Candidly Thinks to Himself, "I Just Don't Know If

question 112

Multiple Choice

Ralph candidly thinks to himself, "I just don't know if I have the leadership skills to progress in my career. I've made it to the second level of management, but I want to contribute at a greater level. I have always held the view that 'leaders are born, not made,' and I have considered myself fortunate to be one of these born leaders. I have the necessary leadership traits. However, as my responsibilities have increased, I have become less and less effective in leading larger and more diverse organizations. The negative performance of my business unit is reflecting this, as is my ability to develop my staff." How would you advise Ralph?

• A) View each leadership situation to be unique, and adapt your leadership style to the situation.
• B) Hire only those staff whose personalities and backgrounds are well suited to your leadership style.
• C) Consistently use your trait approach to leadership, and you'll find that your staff will eventually adapt.
• D) Employ coercive power on those staff members who do not respond to your leadership.
• E) Exclusively use a transactional approach to excite, transform, and empower your staff.

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Definitions:

Readiness

The state of being fully prepared for something, whether mentally, physically, emotionally, or logistically.

Followers

Individuals who look to a leader for guidance, direction, and inspiration in various contexts.

Behavioral Model

A framework for understanding and predicting individual behavior through analysis of observable actions and external stimuli.

Initiating Structure

A leadership behavior characterized by clearly defining roles, setting tasks, and establishing channels of communication for achieving objectives.