Situational Leadership_Chapter 12

If I were to receive a two-year grant to develop a 12-unit, multimedia training program I would use the Situational Leadership approach to develop my project. Here is how I would lead my team through each of the four phases of the situational leadership approach:

Phase 1:

1. If the team members do not know one another I would have an icebreaker so everyone can meet and understand each others background.
2. I will share the grant with the team to ensure we all understand the goals and objectives of the project.
3. I will also share the timeline with the team to ensure everyone is aware of their deadlines. Also, this will show the impact each team member makes on the entire project. In addition, this will show how each person's timeliness impacts others deadlines.

Phase 2:

1. I will show the team the effectiveness of the final product. This will help everyone buy in to the project. Also, I will let them team know their name will be listed on the credits for this product which will enable them to add this project to their personal portfolio. (i.e. many scientific researchers add computer programmers, designers etc. to their list of contributors, helping people in support roles develop professionally)
2. I will have the group agree upon a final reward (i.e. party, day off etc.)

Phase 3:

1. I will have a meeting (possibly webcast if members are in separate sites) displaying progress and accomplishments and rewarding individuals for their contribution.

Phase 4:

1. I will continue to monitor from a distance by recording individual progress updates on a message board. Having team members contribute their progress to the message board will help group determine where we are and what needs to be done.
2. If I notice progress is stagnant I will intervene by following up with individuals who are slowing down the progress of the project.

I think this is a very helpful procedure to use in managing a project. I currently work on projects and I am always trying to figure out how to motivate others to get their share of the work done. I will be incorporating this approach into my daily work.