The “Path” to Leadership
How do you define a leader? There are various aspects and details involved when defining leadership and its outcome, in any different types of situations. One comes across many different types of leadership and learns to recognize their particular characteristics and form of execution. Path-goal theory of leadership, defined by Bob House in the 70´s, is “how a leader motivates followers to accomplish their goals” (PSU, WC, 2020, lesson 6). This theory “emphasizes the relationship between the leader’s style that best meet follower’s and the organizational setting” (Northouse, L. 6 pg.115, 2016). I personally have a great friend, who has become a mentor when it comes to my professional life. He is, in my opinion, a path-goal oriented leader and has adapted his motivation-based tactics according to my characteristics and situations. The theory is a concise way to generate success based on adaptability- which, goes in line with Charles Darwins statement that “the strongest species are not the strongest, but the most responsive to change”.
There are various ways to define a leader, based on the path-goal theory. According to Northouse, four key components of leadership are: “definition of goals, clarification of path, provides support and removing undesired obstacles” (Northouse, L. 6 pg.116, 2016). Also, four clear leadership behaviors that can aid in defining a leader are – directive leadership, supportive leadership, participative leadership, and achievement-oriented leadership. Directive leadership goes hand in hand with explaining and attaining specific goals based on set timelines. Supportive leadership is one where the leader is “friendly and approachable” to assist his followers when needed. Participative leadership is a definition that characterizes a leader who “invites followers to be a part of the decision-making process” (PSU, WC, 2020, lesson 6). And last, is the achievement-oriented leadership, in which a leader “defies its followers to perform at their best” (Northouse, L. 6 pg.115, 2016).
The four behaviors of a path-oriented leader discussed above are defined because, if a leader is able to understand them, they can become great tools for success. A leader must learn how to adapt based on his/her subordinates and the situation in which they are present in. This adaptability is displayed based on the subordinates “satisfaction and his/her perception of their own capabilities” and task characteristics, such as “the design of the task, authority system of organization and his/her primary work group” (PSU, WC, 2020, lesson 6). The subordinate`s characteristic’s research has been primarily in “need for affiliation, preferences for structure, desires for control and self-perceived level of capability” (Northouse, L. 6 pg.118, 2016). A subordinate who is very expressive, both verbally and action-driven, are easier to understand and adapt to their needs. A good leader can receive information and adapt accordingly. A great leader, in my opinion, not only must adapt to a subordinate’s characteristics, but most be able to clearly define them by intuition and knowledge. It is difficult to understand one’s own motivations and have clearly defined characteristics; as people change over time. It is essential to adapt one’s leadership based on the present characteristics being demonstrated, sometimes in a subtle manner, in the present situation.
My mentor, who is also my strategic partner in development projects, is a path-goal oriented leader because of many reasons. He has successfully gained my confidence and has truly made an effort to understand my motivations, opinions, and emotional tenure. He has motivated me in understanding that if I put a little more effort, my reward will be multiplied; which resembles Huges, Ginnett and Curphy opinion, which state that “a leaders actions should strengthen the followers beliefs that if they exert a certain level of effort, they will accomplish a task and if they can accomplish a task, then they will achieve a valued outcome” (PSU, WC, 2020, lesson 6). He has removed obstacles from my path, sometimes put in front of my path by my own inexperience. For example, I was applied for a construction permit, and it was turned down a few weeks after. I was about to angrily demand my “rightful” permit to what I know would be a great acquisition to the city, when he stopped me and explained that that would only put my project down for good. Instead, he advised me to hire a professional and focus in other aspects of the project. Two weeks later, I had my permit. He has adapted to my inexperience and preferences of what I expect in a leader, and executed them in a synergized, meticulous way. He has been an achievement-oriented leader by pushing my personally imposed limitations and making me realize my potential. Great projects have resulted due to his leadership and my hard work.
Path goal theory of leadership is learning to accomplish goals, with your subordinates, through the correct motivational needs based on the situation. A great leader can not only demonstrate different types of leadership behaviors, but also understand the underlying motivations and behaviors in others; and aid the subordinates based on their characteristics to excel and deliver. I have learned immensely about my capabilities based on this style of leadership being utilized by my mentor. Adaptability and motivation are key components for this style of leadership to be successful.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition. Chapters 1 & 2. Sage Publications.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus. (2016). Psych 485 Lesson 6: Contingency & Path-Goal Theories. Retrieved June 6, 2020, from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2015147/modules/items/29089188
Lyne Sabrina Kolb says
Hi Kristen,
Your blog post caught my attention because of its title, The Path to Leadership. When I first saw it, I wasn’t sure if it would be about the path-goal theory, or if it would discuss an actual path to take to attain leadership in certain situations. I think you title was clever and drew me in because I wanted to know what it would be about. Starting off with a question is also a good strategy for engaging the reader and getting them interested in what you have to say, (Davis, 2019).
I like that you ask how we define a leader, since there are numerous different definitions out there, I felt like it was a valid question. I love discussing the definition of a complex concept because I feel like it helps us to really gain a deeper understanding of it. For example, the actual definition of leadership that we are using in this course is, “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal,” (Northouse, 2016, p. 6). There are a bunch of interesting things going on with this particular definition that I really found helpful in building my base knowledge of the concept. First, leadership is a process. This means that there is some kind of back and forth with other people and that it isn’t just an innate trait, which our lesson on path-goal theory also specifies, (PSU WC, 2020, p. 5). Second, there is influence from a leader to their followers. This means that a leader cannot exist without their followers, and that leadership needs to be examined through both of them. Third, there is a common goal. This means that the followers know what the goal is, and they agree to work towards it with their leader.
I really enjoyed learning about the path-goal theory because I felt like it was a style that a lot of people in my life have implemented. But now that I know a little bit more about different leadership theories and styles, I would say that most leaders I’ve come across have used a mix of different ones. Our text explains that the path-goal theory can help some leaders with general recommendations, (Northouse, 2016, p. 125). Would you say that your friend / mentor used only the path-goal theory, or that they used a combination of different leadership styles? I ask this because I think that, while this is a wonderful theory in developing skills, I think it has some weaknesses. The two bigger weaknesses, in my opinion, are that it may not be very practical due to the many varying needs of the employees, and also that the theory can be too complicated or confusing because it can involve many different leadership concepts, (Northouse, 2016, pp. 123-124). For example, a leader who has five followers who are generally similar to each other will have a much easier time implementing the oath-goal theory than a leader who has thirty followers who are all vastly different form each other. Their needs, goals, and motivations will all be factors and the more variance and more followers you add to that equation, the more complex an impractical it is to use the path-goal theory alone. Our text explains that the path-goal theory can help some leaders with using general recommendations, (Northouse, 2016, p. 125).
Have you explored the idea of conducting a path-goal leadership questionnaire with your friend/ mentor? I think it would be very interesting to learn more about our personal leaders. The questionnaire would provide you with a score for each leadership style and help you understand their effectiveness in different situations, (Northouse, 2016, p. 132). I also think that It would be interesting to take one ourselves as well because I really think it’s important to understand your own leadership styles and its strengths and weaknesses. That way we can better understand why we fail or succeed.
I enjoyed reading your blog post and about your experience with the path-goal theory. I wanted to let you know that I was inspired to take the questionnaire for myself after reading and beginning my response to your blog. I think I got some very interesting, albeit, not totally surprising results. It strengthened my own idea that people tend to display a mix of different styles. I plan to reference them on occasion to try and develop an efficient leadership style for myself.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lyne Kolb
References
Davis, S. (2019, May 8). 7 Sensational Essay Hooks That Grab Readers’ Attention. Retrieved from Academic Writing Success: https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/
Northouse, P. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
PSU WC. (2020). Lesson 6: Leader Behaviors. Retrieved from Penn State University World Campus: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2015147/modules/items/29089195