2. Taking the Role of Leader

2.1 Alex, the ‘leader’ with the legitimate power

Alex was granted the legitimate power with authority from a formal position. However, due to his incompetency, it is arguable to whether Alex was indeed considered a true leader. Alex lacked the power of influencing his followers, as he was unmotivated to intend changes and outcomes despite having a committed team that wants to contribute towards a greater goal.

2.1.1 Autocracy

Alex was an autocratic leader while making decisions and simply delegated tasks as he deemed fit. Even though autocratic leadership does has its pros of accomplishing tasks more efficiently, it may be abused. Judging from the limited time to accomplish the task due to the lag in informing the members, autocratic approach may be the best way for Alex for tasks to be completed within the short time possible.

However, this could have been avoided should Alex took the time to inform the committee once he has received the instructions from the main committee instead of procrastinating. The autocratic approach can be viewed dictatorial in this case since he did not set a good example as a leader and only did things in his own ways.

2.1.2 Hersey & Blanchard’s Situational Theory

Alex adopted the delegating style of leadership, which can be effective when followers have high level of readiness and are able to accept responsibility for the own tasks. Our team was committed to contribute and as alumni, all of us as the required skills to perform the required task with ease.

However in this case, Alex displayed slight bossiness and indolence as he only delegated work to others except for himself. This resulted in resentment among the committee as our voices were not valued upon and it is difficult to follow the lead of someone that is controlling yet does not display competency in his scope of responsibility.

He could have done a better job by relaying the messages from the main committee to the team promptly so that we would have ample time to share our views and accomplish the task our own pace. Clarity of direction is important from the leader in enhancing motivation and performance of the followers and how they may contribute to the larger context of the event. This will reduce any resentment that we may bear against Alex.

2.2 Janice, stepping up as a true ‘leader’

In view of having a disorganized team, Janice stepped up and took the initiative to ask the Project Director what the team could work on to contribute to the event. Even though Janice was not the legitimate leader, her efforts were later recognised by the main committee since she was evidently more influential and effective. A leader may not necessary hold an official designation, but has the power to influence in support of others in accomplishment of a common goal. This shows that a follower may also assume the role of a leader under certain circumstances and is not mutually exclusive.

2.2.1. Janice as a follower

Janice was an effective leader – both active and possesses critical thinking. She had the courage the initiate change and assumes risk in order the serve the best interest of the committee and the event. By disregarding the hierarchy and approach the main committee directly, Janice puts herself in risk of challenging Alex’s the authority. She stood for what she thought was right by assuming the responsibility that Alex failed to accomplish.

Rather than serving the leader blindly, Janice displayed good followership by serving a common purpose to contribute to the greater goal. Her courage enabled her to bring light to the situation when the main committee realises the issue and helped to orientate the group by relaying instructions directly through Janice instead.

1.2.2      Janice as a leader

Janice should be considered a leader since she was able to influence and lead the remaining of the committee and gradually accomplished the tasks more efficiently. Instead of conforming to the norm of obeying Alex blindly, she was willing take the risks and encouraged the team to do so as well. She was not afraid of speaking her mind to the main committee in letting them aware of the prevalent issue and wanted improve the situation, fighting for what she believed that could benefit the outcomes as a whole.

Janice has a high internal locus of control as she believe that she has the power and responsibility for what happens to the team instead of leaving it to Alex and follow helplessly.

As a woman, Janice is better able to deliver more idealized influence to motivate the team inspiringly as a leader. Janice recognizes the followers’ desires to contribute and encouraged us along the way. Being a female leader, her focus on collaboration and participation gave us a sense of belonging and self-worth and we were more inclined to make a difference to the event.