Path goal theory was developed to explain how leaders motivate subordinates to be productive and satisfied with their work. It is a contingency approach to leadership because effectiveness depends on the fit between the leader’s behavior and the characteristics of subordinates and the task. (Northouse, 2013)
After I was injured in Iraq and discharged from the Army, the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which is in Northeast Pennsylvania, recruited me and I was in Houston, Texas. One of the ways they used to recruit me was by offering a nice salary & relocation package and also feeding my much needed psychological needs (which means in the military, telling me what I want and need to hear or according to the text, “The underlying assumption of path-goal theory is derived from expectancy theory, which suggests that subordinates will be motivated if they think they are capable of performing their work, if they believe their efforts will result in a certain outcome, and if they believe that that the payoffs for doing their work are worthwhile.” (Northouse, 2013) which was filling my head with stuff like, “would you like to continue to serve our country and help the soldier who are still out in the field by joining our team to ensure that they get the proper equipment out there.” These were things that I was needing to hear because I was depressed and really had nowhere to go after the Army then this opportunity pops up and they didn’t even need t talk me into it but I think that is a standard approach to recruit veterans and to help fill a need which to me is a type of way to meet subordinates’ motivational needs.
The text says, “For the leader, 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. leaders provide subordinates with the elements they think their subordinates need to reach their goals.” (Northouse, 2013)”
I believe that the recruiters and also my supervisor did a good job motivating me to take the job that forced my Wife and I to move across country to a state where we had no friends or family. The job itself was a very difficult one which I was hesitant to take because It was what I thought above my technical skills but my supervisors and leadership at the Tobyhanna Army Depot believed that I could do the job and encouraged me daily until I was up to speed in my area and I started making a difference in the workplace and to the soldiers in the field.
Reference
Northouse, P. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice (Sixth ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Jesse Richard Blake says
I have been in this situation myself as well. I spent four years on active duty in the Marine Corps and I have to say it was the best time of my life. I went on two tours of duty, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. I was given the opportunity to join the Marine Corps in February 2007 by attending boot camp in Parris Island South Carolina. I was approached by a recruiter in late November 2006 about the great benefits that come along with joining the Marine Corps; leadership, camaraderie, travel, good pay and best of all the opportunity to serve my country. 🙂 These were all the things that the recruiter said that I would be able to experience by joining and the greatest opportunity is the opportunity to grow as a leader. He was completely correct.
I quickly climbed through the ranks and was a Corporal (E-4) twenty months after stepping foot on the yellow foot prints of Parris Island in 2007. I was chosen for the meritorious Sergeant board while deployed in Iraq but, I was selected to go to Afghanistan and was removed from contention even though I was sure to win the board.
I believe that I was on that path because of the goals I had set forth in my mind before I left for boot camp in 2007. I knew that I was joining during a time of great conflict and that I wanted to be a leader that others could rely on to get home safely. My recruiter had similar goals in that he wanted to be the best at his position as a recruiter and he pushed me to give more than I thought I had to give and he made me want to transfer that to the Marines that I would be sure to lead into battle.
I was motivated because I had a recruiter and Drill Instructors in boot camp who thought that I would be a great leader and a great success; and because of their belief in me I was able to bestow the same faith and beliefs in the Marines I would later train and mold into leaders to continue the traditions and skills the Marine Corps teach before and after my departure from active duty.
Larry and Cody,
It is with a full heart of sincerity that I say from one veteran to another, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!
Cody Gustaveson says
This is a great testimonial and commentary on how a leadership theory effected you personally. I am still active duty and I have no desire to continue my service when this contract has ended, but I do have an overwhelming desire to help. I see a lot of areas that the military can benefit from, and I think it is up to people like you and I that have been in the trenches but have gotten (or will be getting) out. Through education we can effect the change that we want to be.
You do a good job showing how the basic principles of path-goal theory relate specifically to your circumstance. I think you were very open-minded about it and that allowed you to think reflectively about your experience and the apprehension you had to taking the job. I wish we could all be as open-minded about new jobs. Although I say open-minded, I mean having the ability to allow a leader to change our minds to promote positive changes. Good job and thank you for your service.