{"id":396,"date":"2025-03-10T15:41:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T15:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=396"},"modified":"2025-07-22T11:57:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T11:57:36","slug":"teamwork-and-leadership","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/chapter\/teamwork-and-leadership\/","title":{"raw":"Teamwork and Leadership","rendered":"Teamwork and Leadership"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nBy the end of this section, you should be able to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"c11\"><span class=\"c15\">Describe teamwork and how to overcome challenges to group success.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c11\"><span class=\"c22 c35\">Describe leadership styles and their likely influence on followers<\/span>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 1em; text-align: initial;\">Two key aspects of group communication, particularly in a business environment, are teamwork and leadership. You will work in a team and, at some point, may be called on to lead. You may emerge in that role as the group recognizes your specific skill set regarding the task, or you may be appointed to a position of responsibility for yourself and others. Your communication skills will serve as the foundation for your success as a member and leader. Listen and seek to understand the task and your group members as you become involved with the new effort. Have confidence in yourself and inspire the trust of others. Know that leading and following are both integral aspects of effective teamwork.<\/span>\r\n<h2 id=\"h.8z55c27lusmx\" class=\"c29\"><span class=\"c6\">Teamwork<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\"><strong>[pb_glossary id=\"2428\"]Teams[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> are a form of group generally dedicated to production or problem-solving. Teams can often achieve higher levels of performance than individuals due to the combined energies and talents of their members. Collaboration can produce motivation and creativity that may not be present in single-contractor projects. Individuals also have a sense of belonging to the group, and the range of views and diversity can energize the process, helping address creative blocks and stalemates. By involving team members in decision-making and leveraging each member\u2019s area of expertise, teams can achieve positive results.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_724\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"564\"]<img class=\"wp-image-724 \" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/04\/image8-4-1024x410.png\" alt=\"illustration of the word teamwork in a colourful design\" width=\"564\" height=\"226\" \/> Source: Pixabay.com[\/caption]\r\n<p class=\"c5\">Teamwork is not without its challenges. The work may be challenging as members juggle competing assignments and personal commitments. The work may also be compromised if team members are expected to conform and pressured to follow a procedure, plan, or product they have not developed. <strong><span class=\"c17 c9\">[pb_glossary id=\"2430\"]Groupthink[\/pb_glossary]<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c0\">, or the tendency to accept the group\u2019s ideas and actions despite individual concerns, can also compromise the process and reduce efficiency. Personalities and competition can play a role in a team\u2019s failure to produce. <\/span><span class=\"c0\">We can recognize that people want to belong to a successful team, and celebrating incremental gains can focus attention on the project and its goals. Members will be more willing to express their thoughts and opinions and follow through with actions when they perceive themselves as an essential part of the team. By failing to include all the team members, valuable insights may be lost in the rush to judgment or production. Making time for planning and allowing each member sufficient time to study, reflect, and contribute can enable them to gain valuable insights from one another and may increase their likelihood of sharing information that challenges the status quo. Unconventional or \u201cdevil\u2019s advocate\u201d thinking may prove insightful and positively challenge the process, ultimately improving the team's production. Respect for divergent views can encourage open discussion.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"c5\">John Thill and Courtland Bovee<span class=\"c0\">\u00a0(2002) provide a valuable list to consider when setting up a team as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"c23 lst-kix_me0j5w1c1fi8-0 start\">\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Select team members wisely<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Select a responsible leader<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Promote cooperation<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Clarify goals<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Elicit commitment<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Clarify responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Instill prompt action<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Apply technology<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Ensure technological compatibility<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Provide prompt feedback<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"c5\"><strong><span class=\"c17 c9\">[pb_glossary id=\"2431\"]Group dynamics[\/pb_glossary]<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c0\"> involve the interactions and processes of a team that influence the degree to which members feel a part of the goal and mission. A team with a strong identity can be a powerful force, but it requires time and commitment. A team that exerts too much control over individual members can run the risk of reducing creative interactions and encouraging tunnel vision. A team that exerts too little power, focusing on process and areas of specific responsibility, may not be productive. The balance between motivation, encouragement, control, and influence is challenging as team members represent diverse viewpoints and approaches to the problem.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"c0\">A skilled business communicator creates a positive team by selecting members based on their areas of skill and expertise, but attention to their communication style is also warranted. Individuals who typically work alone or are introverted may need additional encouragement to participate. Extroverts may need encouragement to listen to others and refrain from dominating the conversation. Using strategies that involve the entire team is essential. Request ideas and feedback in multiple ways, rather than relying solely on verbal communication. For example, index cards can be used to gather ideas from the entire team before having a verbal discussion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h.r0eyp0xhhw5d\" class=\"c19\"><span class=\"c13\">Leadership<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">Leadership is one of the most studied aspects of group communication. Scholars in business, communication, psychology, and many other fields have written extensively about the qualities of leaders, leadership theories, and how to develop leadership skills. It\u2019s important to note that although a group may have only one official leader, others play essential leadership roles. This distinction also helps us differentiate between leaders and leadership (Hargie, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">2011<\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">). The\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c9\">leader<\/span><span class=\"c9\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">is a group role associated with a high-status position and may be formally or informally recognized by group members. <\/span><strong><span class=\"c9 c22\">[pb_glossary id=\"2432\"]Leadership[\/pb_glossary]<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\"> is a complex of beliefs, communication patterns, and behaviors that influence a group's functioning and move it toward completing its task. A person in a leadership role may provide ineffective or poor leadership. Likewise, a person not recognized as a \u201cleader\u201d by the title can provide excellent leadership.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"c5\"><img class=\"wp-image-216 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/04\/image9-150x150.png\" alt=\"illustration of a book with a pen writing text onto it\" width=\"77\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"c5\">Navigate to the following quick quiz:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/whats-your-leadership-style-3866929\">What\u2019s Your Leadership Style?<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><\/h3>\r\n<h2 id=\"h.crros5y5m5cq\" class=\"c27\"><span class=\"c24 c22 c32\">Leadership Styles<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">With such a rich body of research dedicated to leadership, it's only natural that numerous approaches exist for conceptualizing and categorizing different leadership styles. In the following classifications, effective leaders generally do not fit solely into one style. Instead, they can adapt their leadership style to suit the relational and situational context (Wood, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">1977<\/span><span class=\"c8 c22\">).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\"><img class=\"wp-image-126 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/03\/image7-1-150x150.png\" alt=\"image of a book to represent reading icon\" width=\"83\" height=\"83\" \/><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">Please read and review the following article from MindTools, which describes various leadership style models: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindtools.com\/a7m23wp\/leadership-styles\"><span class=\"c1 c22\">Leadership styles: Choosing the right approach for the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c1 c22\">situation<\/span><\/a><span class=\"c1 c22\">. <\/span><span class=\"c22 c24\">One common way to study leadership style is to distinguish between autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leaders (Lewin, Lippitt, &amp; White, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">1939<\/span><span class=\"c8 c22\">). These leadership styles can be described as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"c23 lst-kix_pcv0k9rfbb92-0 start\">\r\n \t<li class=\"c34\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Autocratic leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\"> set policies and make decisions independently, utilizing the authority inherent in their title or status to establish the group's agenda.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c33\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Democratic leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\">\u00a0facilitate group discussion and like to take input from all members before making a decision.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c33\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Laissez-faire leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c24 c22\">\u00a0take a \u201chands-off\u201d approach, preferring to give group members freedom to reach and implement their own decisions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"c5\">Thomas Harris and John Sherblom (1999) note three leadership styles that characterize the modern business or organization and reflect our modern economy. We are not born leaders, but may become them if the context or environment requires our skill set. <span class=\"c17 c9\">A <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"2433\"]leader-as-technician[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"c0\"> role often arises when we possess skills that others lack. If you can fix the copy machine at the office, your leadership and ability to get it running again are prized and sought-after skills. You may instruct others on how to load the paper or how to change the toner, and even though your pay grade may not reflect this leadership role, you are looked to by the group as a leader within that context. Technical skills, ranging from internet technology to facilities maintenance, may require moments where their specific area of knowledge is needed to solve a problem. Their leadership will be in demand. <\/span>The<span class=\"c17 c9\">\u00a0<strong>[pb_glossary id=\"2434\"]leader-as-conductor[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"c0\"> is central to bringing people together for a common goal. In the common analogy, a conductor leads an orchestra and integrates the specialized skills and sounds of the various components that comprise the musical group. In the same way, a leader who conducts may set a vision, create benchmarks, and collaborate with a group as they interpret a set script. Whether it is a beautiful movement in music or a group of teams that comes together to address a common challenge, the leader-as-conductor keeps the time and tempo of the group.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"c5\">For a good reason, coaches are often discussed in business-related books as leadership models. <span class=\"c17 c9\">A <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"2435\"]leader-as-coach[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>combines many talents and skills we\u2019ve discussed here, serving as a teacher, motivator, and keeper of the group's goals. A coach may sometimes be autocratic, give pointed directions without input from the group, and stand on the sidelines while the players do what they\u2019ve been trained to do and make the points. The coach may look out for the group, defend it against bad calls, and motivate players with encouragement. Coaches are teachers, motivators, and keepers of the group's goals. Coaches redirect the individual's attention and energy to the group's goals. \u00a0We can recognize some of the behaviors of coaches, but what specific traits positively influence the group? Thomas Peters and Nancy Austin<span class=\"c0\"> (1985) identify five crucial characteristics that produce results:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Orientation and education<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Nurturing and encouragement<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Assessment and correction<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Listening and counseling<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Establishing group emphasis<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nBy this point, we're putting together the pieces of groups, teams, and the importance of leadership.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"c0\">Through higher levels of collaboration, teams are generally dedicated to production or problem-solving. <\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"c0\">The combined energies and talents of team members lead to higher performance levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">References<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"c0\">Hargie, O. (2011). <em>Skilled interpersonal interaction: Research, theory, and practice.<\/em>\u00a0London: Routledge.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span class=\"c0\">Harris, T., &amp; Sherblom, J. (1999). <em>Small group and team communication<\/em>. Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLewin, K., Lippitt, R., &amp; White, R. K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created \u2018social climates.'\u00a0<em><span class=\"c17\">Journal of Social Psychology<\/span><\/em>,\u00a0<em><span class=\"c17\">10<\/span><\/em>(2), <span class=\"c0\">269\u201399.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span class=\"c0\">Thill, J. V., &amp; Bovee, C. L. (2002). <em>Essentials of business communication<\/em>. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span class=\"c0\">Wood, J. T. (1977). Leading in purposive discussions: A study of adaptive behavior. <em>Communication Monographs<\/em>,\u00a0<em>44<\/em>(2), 152\u201365.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Attribution<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.openeducationalberta.ca\/saitbusinesscommunication\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL\">Business Communication for Success<\/a>\u00a0Copyright \u00a9 2021 by\u00a0Southern Alberta Institute of Technology\u00a0is licensed under a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"license\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>By the end of this section, you should be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"c11\"><span class=\"c15\">Describe teamwork and how to overcome challenges to group success.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c11\"><span class=\"c22 c35\">Describe leadership styles and their likely influence on followers<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1em; text-align: initial;\">Two key aspects of group communication, particularly in a business environment, are teamwork and leadership. You will work in a team and, at some point, may be called on to lead. You may emerge in that role as the group recognizes your specific skill set regarding the task, or you may be appointed to a position of responsibility for yourself and others. Your communication skills will serve as the foundation for your success as a member and leader. Listen and seek to understand the task and your group members as you become involved with the new effort. Have confidence in yourself and inspire the trust of others. Know that leading and following are both integral aspects of effective teamwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.8z55c27lusmx\" class=\"c29\"><span class=\"c6\">Teamwork<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\"><strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2428\">Teams<\/a><\/strong> are a form of group generally dedicated to production or problem-solving. Teams can often achieve higher levels of performance than individuals due to the combined energies and talents of their members. Collaboration can produce motivation and creativity that may not be present in single-contractor projects. Individuals also have a sense of belonging to the group, and the range of views and diversity can energize the process, helping address creative blocks and stalemates. By involving team members in decision-making and leveraging each member\u2019s area of expertise, teams can achieve positive results.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_724\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-724\" style=\"width: 564px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-724\" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/04\/image8-4-1024x410.png\" alt=\"illustration of the word teamwork in a colourful design\" width=\"564\" height=\"226\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Pixabay.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c5\">Teamwork is not without its challenges. The work may be challenging as members juggle competing assignments and personal commitments. The work may also be compromised if team members are expected to conform and pressured to follow a procedure, plan, or product they have not developed. <strong><span class=\"c17 c9\"><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2430\">Groupthink<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c0\">, or the tendency to accept the group\u2019s ideas and actions despite individual concerns, can also compromise the process and reduce efficiency. Personalities and competition can play a role in a team\u2019s failure to produce. <\/span><span class=\"c0\">We can recognize that people want to belong to a successful team, and celebrating incremental gains can focus attention on the project and its goals. Members will be more willing to express their thoughts and opinions and follow through with actions when they perceive themselves as an essential part of the team. By failing to include all the team members, valuable insights may be lost in the rush to judgment or production. Making time for planning and allowing each member sufficient time to study, reflect, and contribute can enable them to gain valuable insights from one another and may increase their likelihood of sharing information that challenges the status quo. Unconventional or \u201cdevil\u2019s advocate\u201d thinking may prove insightful and positively challenge the process, ultimately improving the team&#8217;s production. Respect for divergent views can encourage open discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c5\">John Thill and Courtland Bovee<span class=\"c0\">\u00a0(2002) provide a valuable list to consider when setting up a team as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c23 lst-kix_me0j5w1c1fi8-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Select team members wisely<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Select a responsible leader<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Promote cooperation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Clarify goals<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Elicit commitment<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Clarify responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Instill prompt action<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Apply technology<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Ensure technological compatibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5 c25\"><span class=\"c0\">Provide prompt feedback<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c5\"><strong><span class=\"c17 c9\"><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2431\">Group dynamics<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c0\"> involve the interactions and processes of a team that influence the degree to which members feel a part of the goal and mission. A team with a strong identity can be a powerful force, but it requires time and commitment. A team that exerts too much control over individual members can run the risk of reducing creative interactions and encouraging tunnel vision. A team that exerts too little power, focusing on process and areas of specific responsibility, may not be productive. The balance between motivation, encouragement, control, and influence is challenging as team members represent diverse viewpoints and approaches to the problem.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"c0\">A skilled business communicator creates a positive team by selecting members based on their areas of skill and expertise, but attention to their communication style is also warranted. Individuals who typically work alone or are introverted may need additional encouragement to participate. Extroverts may need encouragement to listen to others and refrain from dominating the conversation. Using strategies that involve the entire team is essential. Request ideas and feedback in multiple ways, rather than relying solely on verbal communication. For example, index cards can be used to gather ideas from the entire team before having a verbal discussion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.r0eyp0xhhw5d\" class=\"c19\"><span class=\"c13\">Leadership<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">Leadership is one of the most studied aspects of group communication. Scholars in business, communication, psychology, and many other fields have written extensively about the qualities of leaders, leadership theories, and how to develop leadership skills. It\u2019s important to note that although a group may have only one official leader, others play essential leadership roles. This distinction also helps us differentiate between leaders and leadership (Hargie, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">2011<\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">). The\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c9\">leader<\/span><span class=\"c9\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">is a group role associated with a high-status position and may be formally or informally recognized by group members. <\/span><strong><span class=\"c9 c22\"><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2432\">Leadership<\/a><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\"> is a complex of beliefs, communication patterns, and behaviors that influence a group&#8217;s functioning and move it toward completing its task. A person in a leadership role may provide ineffective or poor leadership. Likewise, a person not recognized as a \u201cleader\u201d by the title can provide excellent leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-216 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/04\/image9-150x150.png\" alt=\"illustration of a book with a pen writing text onto it\" width=\"77\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"c5\">Navigate to the following quick quiz:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/whats-your-leadership-style-3866929\">What\u2019s Your Leadership Style?<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2 id=\"h.crros5y5m5cq\" class=\"c27\"><span class=\"c24 c22 c32\">Leadership Styles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">With such a rich body of research dedicated to leadership, it&#8217;s only natural that numerous approaches exist for conceptualizing and categorizing different leadership styles. In the following classifications, effective leaders generally do not fit solely into one style. Instead, they can adapt their leadership style to suit the relational and situational context (Wood, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">1977<\/span><span class=\"c8 c22\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-126 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub\/app\/uploads\/sites\/115\/2018\/03\/image7-1-150x150.png\" alt=\"image of a book to represent reading icon\" width=\"83\" height=\"83\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c26\"><span class=\"c24 c22\">Please read and review the following article from MindTools, which describes various leadership style models: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindtools.com\/a7m23wp\/leadership-styles\"><span class=\"c1 c22\">Leadership styles: Choosing the right approach for the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c1 c22\">situation<\/span><\/a><span class=\"c1 c22\">. <\/span><span class=\"c22 c24\">One common way to study leadership style is to distinguish between autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leaders (Lewin, Lippitt, &amp; White, <\/span><span class=\"c24 c22\">1939<\/span><span class=\"c8 c22\">). These leadership styles can be described as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c23 lst-kix_pcv0k9rfbb92-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c34\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Autocratic leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\"> set policies and make decisions independently, utilizing the authority inherent in their title or status to establish the group&#8217;s agenda.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c33\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Democratic leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c8 c22\">\u00a0facilitate group discussion and like to take input from all members before making a decision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c33\"><strong><span class=\"c24 c17 c9 c22\">Laissez-faire leaders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"c24 c22\">\u00a0take a \u201chands-off\u201d approach, preferring to give group members freedom to reach and implement their own decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c5\">Thomas Harris and John Sherblom (1999) note three leadership styles that characterize the modern business or organization and reflect our modern economy. We are not born leaders, but may become them if the context or environment requires our skill set. <span class=\"c17 c9\">A <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2433\">leader-as-technician<\/a><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"c0\"> role often arises when we possess skills that others lack. If you can fix the copy machine at the office, your leadership and ability to get it running again are prized and sought-after skills. You may instruct others on how to load the paper or how to change the toner, and even though your pay grade may not reflect this leadership role, you are looked to by the group as a leader within that context. Technical skills, ranging from internet technology to facilities maintenance, may require moments where their specific area of knowledge is needed to solve a problem. Their leadership will be in demand. <\/span>The<span class=\"c17 c9\">\u00a0<strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2434\">leader-as-conductor<\/a><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"c0\"> is central to bringing people together for a common goal. In the common analogy, a conductor leads an orchestra and integrates the specialized skills and sounds of the various components that comprise the musical group. In the same way, a leader who conducts may set a vision, create benchmarks, and collaborate with a group as they interpret a set script. Whether it is a beautiful movement in music or a group of teams that comes together to address a common challenge, the leader-as-conductor keeps the time and tempo of the group.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c5\">For a good reason, coaches are often discussed in business-related books as leadership models. <span class=\"c17 c9\">A <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_396_2435\">leader-as-coach<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>combines many talents and skills we\u2019ve discussed here, serving as a teacher, motivator, and keeper of the group&#8217;s goals. A coach may sometimes be autocratic, give pointed directions without input from the group, and stand on the sidelines while the players do what they\u2019ve been trained to do and make the points. The coach may look out for the group, defend it against bad calls, and motivate players with encouragement. Coaches are teachers, motivators, and keepers of the group&#8217;s goals. Coaches redirect the individual&#8217;s attention and energy to the group&#8217;s goals. \u00a0We can recognize some of the behaviors of coaches, but what specific traits positively influence the group? Thomas Peters and Nancy Austin<span class=\"c0\"> (1985) identify five crucial characteristics that produce results:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Orientation and education<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Nurturing and encouragement<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Assessment and correction<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Listening and counseling<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c0\">Establishing group emphasis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>By this point, we&#8217;re putting together the pieces of groups, teams, and the importance of leadership.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"c0\">Through higher levels of collaboration, teams are generally dedicated to production or problem-solving. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"c0\">The combined energies and talents of team members lead to higher performance levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">References<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p><span class=\"c0\">Hargie, O. (2011). <em>Skilled interpersonal interaction: Research, theory, and practice.<\/em>\u00a0London: Routledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"c0\">Harris, T., &amp; Sherblom, J. (1999). <em>Small group and team communication<\/em>. Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Lewin, K., Lippitt, R., &amp; White, R. K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created \u2018social climates.&#8217;\u00a0<em><span class=\"c17\">Journal of Social Psychology<\/span><\/em>,\u00a0<em><span class=\"c17\">10<\/span><\/em>(2), <span class=\"c0\">269\u201399.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"c0\">Thill, J. V., &amp; Bovee, C. L. (2002). <em>Essentials of business communication<\/em>. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"c0\">Wood, J. T. (1977). Leading in purposive discussions: A study of adaptive behavior. <em>Communication Monographs<\/em>,\u00a0<em>44<\/em>(2), 152\u201365.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Attribution<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.openeducationalberta.ca\/saitbusinesscommunication\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL\">Business Communication for Success<\/a>\u00a0Copyright \u00a9 2021 by\u00a0Southern Alberta Institute of Technology\u00a0is licensed under a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"license\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_396_2428\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2428\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a form of group generally dedicated to production or problem-solving.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2430\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2430\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>the tendency to accept the group\u2019s ideas and actions despite individual concerns, can also compromise the process and reduce efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2431\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2431\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>involve the interactions and processes of a team that influence the degree to which members feel a part of the goal and mission.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2432\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2432\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>is a complex of beliefs, communication patterns, and behaviors that influence a group's functioning and move it toward completing its task.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2433\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2433\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>arises when we possess skills that others lack.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2434\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2434\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>brings people together for a common goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_396_2435\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_396_2435\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>combines many talents and skills we\u2019ve discussed here, serving as a teacher, motivator, and keeper of the group's goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close 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