Path Goal theory of Leadership in case of Maha Mandi !

 Description

The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership describes the way that leaders encourage and support their followers in achieving the goals they have been set by making the path that they should take clear and easy.

In particular, leaders:

• Clarify the path so subordinates know which way to go.
• Remove roadblocks that are stopping them going there.
• Increasing the rewards along the route.

Leaders can take a strong or limited approach in these. In clarifying the path, they may be directive or give vague hints. In removing roadblocks, they may scour the path or help the follower move the bigger blocks. In increasing rewards, they may give occasional encouragement or pave the way with gold.

 The four path-goal types of leader behaviors are:

• Directive: The leader informs his followers on what is expected of them, such as telling them what to do, how to perform a task, and scheduling and coordinating work. It is most effective when people are unsure about the task or when there is a lot of uncertainty within the environment.

Dr. Mandi guiding student on how to perform and prepare for MAHAMANDI

• Supportive: The leader make work pleasant for the workers by showing concern for them and by being friendly and approachable. It is most effective in situations in which tasks and relationships are physically or psychologically challenging.

Fig 2  Frequent Student Interactions

• Participative: The leaders consult with their followers by consulting with them before making a decision on how to proceed. It is most effective when subordinates are highly trained and involved in their work.

Fig 3. : Clarity of Goals.

• Achievement: The leader sets challenging goals for his followers, expects them to perform at their highest level, and shows confidence in their ability to meet this expectation. It is most effective in professional work environments, such as technical, or scientific; or in achievement environments, such as sales.

Fig 4: Set the impossible challenges

For further understanding visit the two mentioned links. Three shift, Three supervisors explains through a very intersting situation.

Path-Goal Theory Case Study - "Three Shifts, Three Supervisors"- A very interesting situation to understand the concept.

4 Dimensions of Motivation.

4 DIMENSIONS OF MOTIVATION

1. Task
2.  Power
3. Reward
4.  Goal

Today we discussed on how management introduces various factors to motivate and inspire the team they work with. The fundamental principle is how to create a high performing team.

·         TRANSFORMATION OF TASK

 We discussed on various aspects of how management transforms the work into easier and simpler tasks in order to reduce the complexity involved and better engagement within the team.

The discussion on earlier examples of Three Monks story and the valley crossing problem was a mind enriching experience.

 A detailed analysis of when was pain maximum in the three cases of the Monk Story, we attempted t calculate the load experienced by the each monk in different cases.  It varied from maximum load to 25% of the highest possible.

So the underlying principle is as the management puts efforts in transforming the work or task at hand to a simple one, the performance actually improves.

•    Power

How to self-empower team members, to make them accountable for their role, management uses different motivational techniques to impart substantial power to employees

1.     By recognizing their work on bigger platforms,

2.     By providing environment that is conducive to their performance

•         Rewards:

Rewards are the third dimension that management uses to transform the performance of the employees.

Classified into 2 Categories namely Extrinsic & Intrinsic.

 ·        GOALS

We learnt the principles of SMART Goals in our earlier sessions. But we need to analyse how the dimension changed from 1 monk carrying the water to 3 monks carrying the water.

The Goals of Monk changed entirel with the changing task

1.     1 monk- GOAL : I live and I die

2.    2 monks- GOAL : Moksha for everybody

3.     3 Monks- GOAL: To contribute in the shared power and responsibility and enjoy.

The point of discussion is to elevate the simple goals to a higher level. Companies need to understand how can they elevate the goals of their employees.  

Three Men Valley Crossing Problem

Learning by performing in the real field that’s what innovative and trans-formative learning is all about. Dr. Mandi asked us to perform a valley crossing task(See Fig:1) in a group of three. At first I thought it was more of a team building activity, but later we realized the importance of the activity. Team Management in an Organization.

 Task: We should use teamwork and do the mentioned task in the best way.

 

Goal: A group of three people to move from left side of the valley to the right side with the help of a wooden log. 

Understanding of Situation at Hand: The task demanded a good conceptual knowledge of the problem at hand & building an effective strategy to implement the same. T

The strategy required setting of SMART goals that were specific for each team member.

1.       Specific,

2.       Measurable,

3.       Attainable,

4.       Realistic

5.       Time Bound

We closely analysed the task & broke it down into 9 sub-tasks.  Identifying the channels of communication and making sure what are the responsibilities of team members at different situations.

The key ingredient to success was coordination among team members & efficient execution of the strategy devised.
With all the strategies & processes in place we went ahead with the execution. But the another important attribute of a high performing team is the Trust. There are situations of varying risks(High to Low).It is the trust within the team that makes sure that the team will support you when you take the first step in High risk zones.

Breaking up the task into 9 sub tasks:

  The various steps involved Brainstorming, Conflicts & Resolution, Communication and clear goals.

LEssons Learnt:

TEAM WORK-   The essence of Team Work lies in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of every team member and utilizing them to achieve optimum efficiency.

·         RIGHT STRATEGY -  Strategy and planning are futile without effective implementation

·         TRAINING- Proper training is essential to achieve the desired level of results

·         SMART GOALS- There should be a well-defined goal & every team member should have clarity on it.

·         TRUST-  Mutual trust and belief are the foundation of a good team

·         ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY- Every team member is accountable and responsible for the job at hand