The leader is the change strategist, whose role is to lead, to champion the changes, to promote the vision, to keep the organisation travelling in the chosen direction, and to ensure that all those involved in implementing the changes, the strategies, perform to the best of their ability. There are a range of leadership styles that could be drawn on. Some would argue that certain changes need an autocratic, aggressive style of leadership, and, whilst there may be the need for an element of this approach, if used as a single style it rarely results in a positive post-change environment. This is the flaw in this approach, for, after the changes have been implemented, and the strategies are in place, the managers, specialists, operational employees, and all contributing stakeholders, must work together in a harmonious, positive, manner to make the desired progress and achieve the objectives. If the leadership style during the change has been harsh, unforgiving, and aggressive, it may take many months, even years, to re-establish a positive environment, a healthy, goals focused, teamwork driven culture. The only logical choice of leadership style in any major change is one that combines all the styles, but leans heavily to those which focus on a team approach. The leader adopts a flexible, responsive style, that is a blend of the consultative, participative, and democratic, leaving room for an occasional, sparing touch of the autocratic to be employed if absolutely necessary. This style will then be the foundation on which the "new", changed, organisation is built on. Performance at the strategic, corporate level must be monitored by the leader. Changing strategic direction, no matter how thorough the preparation and planning, entails taking the organisation into uncharted territory. The leader is the guide, the expert, the most high profile member of the team embarking on this journey, and as such must be constantly aware of how much progress is being made and, when required, able to adjust the pace of progress and degree of activity to ensure that progress is satisfactory. To be successful in this the leader must carry out monitoring and evaluation activity on a regular basis, demanding timely and accurate information with which to make the assessment. In turn, the senior management team must show that they are successfully cascading this review and evaluation process down into the operational activity areas. The leader must set evidence of achievement of this task as one of the performance appraisal criteria for the senior managers, and they in turn must apply this approach to the operational managers and teams, as discussed below.
单选题
The author thinks that A. an autocratic style of leadership results in a positive post-change environment. B. an autocratic style of leadership is the most proper style of leadership to adopt. C. an autocratic style of leadership proves free from defects.
单选题
All the statements are correct concerning the autocratic style of leadership except A. it involves being harsh and unforgiving. B. it requires a lot of time to recreate a harmonious environment after change. C. it ensures an organisation to sail through change successfully.
单选题
What is the only reasonable choice of leadership style in a major change? A. One that is autocratic. B. One that is positive. C. One that is flexible and responsible.
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Which is a characteristic of changing strategic direction? A. The decision needs to be made by the leader. B. Risks are involved in the process. C. It will be safe with preparation and planning.
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Which is NOT the duty of the leader in a major change? A. To keep a high profile B. To adjust the pace of progress C. To monitor and evaluate activity
单选题
Which is the duty of the senior managers? A. They apply performance appraisal criteria for operational managers. B. They set performance appraisal criteria for themselves. C. They set performance appraisal criteria for the operational teams.