Leadership truly takes forms in many different atmospheres and situations. Nadine Kaslow is a dancer, a doctor, and a psychologist. Facing many turning points in her own life, as well as situations gleaming with struggle, she realized her power to help others. Nadine Kaslow is not just a doctor or a dancer, she is an inspiration and a leader to women. The path-goal theory helps to describe Kaslow, also known as “Dr. Dancer”, as more than just her profession but a true leader.
The CNN article printed about Kaslow explains that she has done everything from working in the Grady Hospital, to mentoring interns, starting support groups, and teaching dance and how to overcome ones struggles (Landau, P. 1-2). She understands the aspects of depression and other mental illness but also helps others to get past these difficulties. One program she developed helped with suicide prevention and members knew her as “a mother to students and patients” (Landau, P. 3). She is available to her patients and other people she mentors on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis and takes no delay in even giving women her own personal money to help them during their issues (Landau, P. 4). In the ballet there are a lot of issues that dancers face including eating disorders, anxiety, perfectionism, and depression. Kaslow does her best to offer her students tools to use to still obtain their goals: “I really talk to the dancers about, how do you think about doing your best, and being good enough, and what a realistic and attainable goal is, and I try to do that for myself as well” (Landau, P. 4). She has received high recognition for her accomplishments and leadership abilities among both her students, coworkers, and patients.
One may not understand how being a doctor of psychology, a professor, a group organizer, and a ballet instructor has anything to do with having a large impact on the lives of others or how path-goal theory may fit into the equation. The path-goal theory of leadership states that it is about the motivation of others to be able to help them reach their goals whether that involves removing what is in their path, teaching them how to overcome it, or giving them better incentives to get to the goal (Northouse, P. 137). Kaslow uses what knowledge she has about the human mind and her own personal experience to understand what motivates the dancers as well as what their fears and goals are. She makes a huge impact by not only being their dance instructor but being their mentor: “the challenge is to use a leadership style that best meets subordinates’ motivational needs. This is done by choosing behaviors that complement or supplement what is missing in the work setting” (Northouse, P. 137). Kaslow is providing support and giving students alternative routes to being good dancers rather than (for example) losing 20 more pounds on top of already being well under-weight (Landau, P. 4). Landau states, “As a scientifically-minded psychologist, I build upon many of the qualities that served me and others well in the dance world–curiosity, persistence, patience, and a passion for the work…As an educator, I know that when I am teaching dance or psychology, it is essential that I provide a facilitating environment that nurtures creativity, self-expression, self-acceptance, and a dedication to doing one’s best” (Landau, P. 4).
The subordinates in this case (let us focus on the dancers) are also very willing to take direction from Kaslow since these subordinates tend to prefer the support. According to the path-goal theory, this is a “source of satisfaction” for subordinates (Northouse, P. 141). Ballet dancers also want to believe in themselves and have a desire to gain approval from others as do many other athletes: they want to be the best. Subordinates seeking leadership also depend on how the leader encourages them and helps them view their own behaviors in a positive light. If the dancers are encouraged that their ability to dance is satisfactory, they will be more likely to continue to improve and be positive about their performance (Northouse, P. 141). One strength of the path-goal leadership theory that has effect on the dancers would be that the direction the leader gives to subordinates is practical (Northouse, P. 145). The dancers probably use the skills of overcoming obstacles in their personal lives, not just in the gym.
Many people can take the role of leader even if their title does not expressly point to it. Nadine Kaslow is a professor, a therapist, and a dance instructor. She communicates with many people with a range of problems. She is supportive, directive, participative, and achievement oriented and helps each person overcome obstacles and tough situations to be the best that they can be (Northouse, P. 143). The path-goal theory of leadership seems to be utilitized in Kaslow’s interactions with the people she mentors, teaches, and helps with therapy in a number of practical ways. While she may not be pulling her “subordinates” along in a workplace setting, she uses her understanding of what their individual goals are and helps make a path for them to succeed.
References:
Landau, E. (2013, May 10). Psychology plus ballet: Meet ‘Dr. Dancer’ – CNN.com. CNN.com – Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Retrieved May 31, 2013, from http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/10/health/lifeswork-nadine-kaslow/index.html?iref=allsearch
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.