Joe Evans stops at Mandy Simmss desk He hands Mandy a manila

Joe Evans stops at Mandy Simms’s desk. He hands Mandy a manila envelope and says, “This is the raw data we’ve gathered for the report on Product X. You and I have discussed this report before and you know what a mess it is, but after the fine job you did on the Product V series I’m convinced you can pull this thing together. Why don’t you look this over, and if you’d like to kick your ideas around a little, come by my office in the next day or so. I’m confident that you’re just the person for this job.” Mandy seems relieved that she can turn to Joe for help if she needs it.

On the way back to his office, Joe stops at Arthur Jones’ desk. He says, “Arthur, I’ve just handed Mandy Simms a big and demanding assignment. Since the project will take a lot of her time for the next few weeks, you’re going to be getting an increased work volume. It will consist of several new types of projects that will require careful study and preparation. I’d also like you to make it a point to offer Mandy a hand whenever you have a moment since you are familiar with her types of projects. Whenever something unfamiliar comes up, I’d like you to stick your head in my office so I can go over it with you. In addition, I’ll be by here often to be sure you’re keeping your head above water. I’ve been awfully pleased with your progress in this job, and I think you can handle the increased load with no problems.” Arthur expresses his desire to get on with the new projects.

As he reaches his office door, Joe passes Will Murphy, the senior computer programmer for the department. Joe stops him and says, “Will, I just asked Mandy Simms to try and whip that Product X material into a presentation. I’m sure she’s going to need some information from your area, possibly even some new types of applications. Although she’s never handled one quite like this before, she’s sharp, and it’s probably time for her to become familiar with what you folks can and can’t do. You’re a lot better equipped than I am to explain your area. Would you stop by her desk and see what you can do for her?” Will agrees to help Mandy.

Joe hesitates, and then turns away from his office and heads to Alice Carlisle’s desk. She has a small pile of books and memos in front of her, and is reading one of them. Joe asks, “Alice, have you come close to checking the HMS account for discrepancies?” She replies that she has, and Joe continues, “OK, good. It’s time for you to handle another one. Here’s the Harris account. Now remember that you’re to start with this line, and go down until you get to this line, and then you switch over a column and back to the top. Each series of numbers has to be checked for accuracy, and you’re to attach a tape showing your work. If you come to an entry that doesn’t square, research the original billings and check it out. If the entry is wrong, photocopy the original bill and attach the copy to the account ledger. If you hit a snag, check the book first, but if you’re still unclear bring it to me. I’ll stop back by in a little while to see how you’re doing.” Alice expresses concern regarding her ability to handle the new task, but Joe reassures her and promises her his support.

1.    Describe the readiness level of the following people (Mandy Simms, Arthur Jones, Will Murphy, and Alice Cooper) in terms of the tasks discussed? (10 points)

2.    Which leadership style is being used by the leader, Joe Evans, with each of the followers above? (10 points)

3.    Which style is appropriate for each of the followers? What does that mean? Was Joe matching his leadership styles appropriately with his follower’s performance readiness levels? (10 points)

Solution

1. In terms of readiness Mandy Simms seems to have the right and relevant skill sets and talent for the new report on Product X. The project is very tough and demanding, but Mandy has worked in a somewhat similar, but less demanding and relatively simpler project on Product V. What she lacks in experience, can be made up by her intelligence and skills. Further Mandy seems to be willing to take the new assignment.

Arthur is already familiar with the type of projects that Mandy does. So his readiness level in terms of being prepared is the highest. Arthur has also expressed his desire to work on the new projects, so in terms of willingness his readiness level is high.

Will, the programmer, has to explain Mandy, the applications that can help her in preparing the presentation. Will\'s rediness level is high in terms of being prepared and in terms of his willingness.

Alice\'s readiness level is low both in terms of being prepared and in terms of willingness. She does not have the exposure or the technical skill to handle confidently the HMS account. Further, she is hesitant and not very confident about her ability to handle the new task.

2. Joe is using a mix of pacesetting and coaching style of leadership. Under the pacesetting style, he is asking his employees to use their competencies to work on challenging projects. Under the coaching style, he is ready to mentor and help employees.

3. Mandy Simms, Arthur Jones, Will Murphy will flourish under the pacesetting style of leadership. The employees are competent and motivated and they can take the challenge of working on tough assignments. Alice Cooper, seems to be low on confidence and she needs the coaching style of leadership.