Leadership Styles Activity
Objective: To recognize that a good leader uses all three styles of leadership: authoritarian (autocratic),
participative (democratic), and Laissez-Faire (free reign).
Time: 60 Minutes
Instructions
Divide the class into small groups (3 to 4 learners). The first exercise is to help the learners recognize the
three leadership styles. There are no correct answers. Each individual must realize that each person
reacts differently to certain situations. But the goal is to act like a leader for that situation.
After they have completed the first exercise, gather the small groups back together and have them work
alone on the second exercise. It is a reflection period on the past to determine what leadership style was
used and if a different style would have been better. After about 20 minutes have them discuss their
reflections.
Exercise One
Listed below are some scenarios of different leadership styles. Determine what style is being used, and
then discuss if it is correct for the situation or if a different style would work better. Helpful hint - you have
probably been in a similar situation... what was your reaction to that style at the time?
1. A business major is leading a team of research scientist working on new
ways to use plastic. Although the team discusses the merits of each ideal
and project, she retains the final decision making authority.
2. A new supervisor has just been put in charge of the production line. He
immediately starts by telling the crew what changes need to be made. When
some suggestions are made, he tells them he does not have time to
consider them.
3. A construction crew has worked together for the last four years with very
little change-over in personnel. They always vote whenever a decision has to
be made on how to proceed with the project.
4. The owner of a small electronic store starts every day by telling the three
employees what has to be done and how to do it.
5. An inspection line has no supervisor. They are expected to have the correct
staffing, procedures, and expertise on each shift to ensure no defective parts
gets pass them.
6. A new squad leader is just assigned overseas. She immediately calls her
squad together for a meeting and asks for their ideas and input on an
upcoming field training exercise.
7. There are seven people on a special project team and each individual is from
a different department. Although a leader was elected, for a decision to pass
it must have the approval of each individual.
8. A small department performs the same functions every day. To get
information out, the supervisor sends it by email or voice mail, very rarely is
a meeting called.
9. A forklift has its forks raised in the air to put some material in the racks. An
employee darts under the forks (safety violation) so he can get back to his
work-station in time. The supervisor tells him very sternly not to ever do
that again and notes it in his log.
10.A project is running late. The manager puts out a course of action to take to
try to put it back on track. Later that week she calls a meeting of all
supervisors and key players to create a strategy to keep the project running
on schedule.
11.A manager is working on the budget. He is told to get a hot project running
immediately. He calls his staff together and explains the project. He then
tells them to get it up and going while he completes the budget.
12.A newly hired supervisor is not allowed to make any decisions unless it is
approved by the manager first.
Exercise Two
Below each of the statements, write some comments about it, such as: did it work, could a different style
have worked better, how did the employees feel about the decision, did everyone learn from that style
and what did they learn, which style is easiest to use (why?), which style do you prefer the leaders over
you to use (why?).
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/styles.html
LEADERSHIP
Pat Dennison, academic consultant
(Additional Information for Lecture with Power Point)
Qualities of Leadership
1. A leader respects the rights and dignity of others He/she realizes that every
person can make worthy contributions.
2. A leader is willing to accept responsibility, to do his/her part through work within
the group.
3. A leader is able to work and get along with other people in a friendly and
peaceful manner. He/she must be straightforward, agreeable, and industrious.
4. The leader praises where praise is due and has sensitivity to the basic trends
and moods of the group.
5. A leader is able to communicate thoughts and feelings in a clear and
understandable manner, as well as to verbalize the ideas of the group.
6. A leader is well informed on natters which concern the group, and arrives at a
Decision only after he/she has an opportunity to secure and study pertinent
information.
7. A leader is self-confident. He/she possesses integrity and also shows trust for
fellow group members.
8. A leader is optimistic and enthusiastic, believes the group action can overcome
obstacles and solve problems, and works within the group with zest and
enjoyment.
9. A leader is open-minded, does not claim to have all of the answers, seeks the
opinions of the group, and accepts or supports them if they seem best for the
group. The leader must be willing to compromise and encourage group
members to do so also when it is in the best interest for the group as a whole.
10. A leader has strength of conviction. He/she will take a stand and be counted, yet
be convinced otherwise if evidence is presented that indicates the he/she is in
the wrong.
11. A leader will show initiative in getting the group started through sound and
careful planning. He/she proceeds with the group discussion with knowledge
rather than reckless abandon. Remember, "Failure to Prepare is Preparation for
Failure."
Besides the previous qualities the leader should also:
Have a neat, clean, appropriate appearance
Be Adaptable/Flexible Be on Time
And above all a leader must CARE.
Have a Spirit of Service
Be Honest - Loyal - Humble
Admit mistakes
Learning to Lead
The best way to learn leadership is to experience it. This does not mean to
dominate. It means to desire to serve, to achieve goals, to leave things better than they
were at the start.
Steps to becoming a good leader include
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Study the qualities of recognized good leaders.
Select a role model and copy that person's leadership style and characteristics.
Study oneself, identifying strong and weak points
Develop oneself as a good follower and learn to obey as well as command
Learn about groups in general and what "makes them tick"
Follow a definite plan of training and improvement in leadership
Communicate Like A Leader
Communication involves speaking, writing and listening. Communication can
provide credibility for the leader and the opportunity for others to determine his/her
competence. trustworthiness. strenoth. and understandino. Those who appear
competent come across as informed, experienced and qualified. Leaders are
trustworthy when they seem fair, reliable, honorable, and honest. Strength comes from
presenting a bold, dynamic, assertive, and active manner. Understanding leaders share
other's ideas and values.
Speaking like A leader
. Think before you speak
. Be unique
. Be understood when you speak
Speak slowly and loud enough
Enunciate each word clearly, don't mumble
Vary voice level, avoid monotone
Speak directly to audience, maintain eye contact . Know how you look when you speak to
others
. Habits to break
Monotone, "ers," "ahs," "ya know," "right," "okay," "you understand"
Hard to pronounce words, if you use them -Practice . Use simple language
Don't talk above your audience or .below them. Keep your ego in check.
Never talk boastfully about yourself
. Relax and relieve tension
. Create impact -"
Use hand gestures effectively
Emphasize important words and phrases
Paint word pictures
Use facial expressions to transmit appropriate feelings
Listening Like A Leader
Effective listening will project an image of interest and this will motivate members
to become more productive because they are more committed to an organization that is
interested in them and their ideas.
Listen to the complete message and then determine the meaning
Ignore distractions and concentrate on the message.
Don't formulate a response while still receiving the message
Listen to feelings expressed by the speaker
Respond to communication being transmitted
Confirmation Use when you feel you understand exactly what was said
and why it was said. Restate what was said in your own
words.
Jane: "It's not that I don't want to become a member of HOSA, but with all
the other responsibilities I have, I just don't think I can join this ear."
.Calvin: "Am I understanding you to say that you want to join HOSA, but
feel you don't have time due to your other responsibilities?"
Clarification Use when you don't understand or you're not certain of the
speaker's motives.
Clarification responses:
"Yes, could you tell me more?"
"Why do you think that?"
"Gh?"
"Pardon me, but I don't believe I understand?"
Buildinq Acknowledging the worth of a member's idea and building on it to make
it more feasible to implement.
Calvin "I think we should collect can for Habitat for Humanity."
Caity: "That's a good idea. Let's see if we can have a can drive at
school"
"Maybe we can check with other schools in our area to see if they
will help us."
Jason:
Crediting - Giving recognition for a specific idea or a specific performance This
serves as a motivator to repeat the behavior in the future.
"Give positive strokes.
Writing like A leader
The spoken word is appreciated; however, when a person takes the time to write
"the words," the impact is forever. The spoken word can be forgotten but the written
word may likely be kept in files or scrapbooks forever.
Avoid the use of "I" as much as possible, especially at the beginnings of
paragraphs.
Use inclusive pronouns. The use of "we," "our," "you," "your," and "us" include
the reader in the letter. The more involved the reader becomes the more
effective the letter.
Make your message personal. Refer to something that applies to the reader if
possible.
Use correct spelling and grammar. Proofread.
Use professional grade stationary.
Catch the reader's interest in the first paragraph.
Make the message concise. Eliminate wordiness and vague statements
Practice good handwriting. Neat, clear, and easy to read, not too large and not
too small. Never use pencil. Use black or blue ink.
Be timely. Respond within a few days after the project or event.
Apply proper postage.
looking like A leader
The Power of Appearance
The appearance of a person is a major contributor to his or her power to influence the
audience.
Even though beauty may be only skin deep, the world judges you upon your
appearance. The exterior you show to others will determine to a great extent the power
you will enjoy in influencing your audience. Unfortunately, the world is much more
influenced by "appearances" than the "realities."
For those who want to project a more attractive appearance, it is much easier to
chance the outer-self that it is the inner-self. You appearance can be altered by
purchasing those symbols that suggest to your audience the image you want.
A person who wants to project the image of success or power should not wait
until he or she achieves the status sought before he or she dresses differently. It is a
common mistake to wait until a person achieves a sought after position before he or she
dresses befitting the position. Dress, now, the way you want people to perceive you and
treat you. If you dress like a slob, don't expect people to give you the status or respect
you want and need.
First Impressions
In 30 seconds people will decide on your
Educational level
Personality
Trustworthiness
. Social heritage
Career success
Sophistication
Sense of humor
You are what you wear. In a business setting people first notice
Clothing
Face
Hands
Shoes
The care taken in your appearance indicates the care taken in your position
In face to face encounters
7% of impression comes from verbal communication (what you say)
38% of impression comes from vocal tone, pacing, and inflection
(how you say it)
55% of impression comes from appearance and body language
(how vou look)
Since we do not get a second chance to make a good first impression and this may be
the only impression we get to make we need to learn how to make good impressions.
A HOSA conference presenter shared this method of making good impressions.
You can always make a positive 1st impression by using GNAP
Greet use your head use your hands, and smile
Name use your first name and last name
Affiliation, use your school. HOSA or Health Science Proqram to give you
credibility
Position or Purpose, Let's people understand your reason for asking for their time and projects
confidence
(Example) Hello - Extend hand - Smile. I'm Suzy Sunshine, a member of HOSA and
I'm helping my chapter collect aluminum cans for Habitat for Humanity. If you don't
already recycle we would like for you to help us help needy families in our community to
have a home of their own.)
Appearance
A good appearance shows self-respect and may help one earn the respect of others.
Example: Teachers, Ministers, President
Dress code: Hospital employees IBM employees
The right appearance can make an individual seem more interesting, poised, and
sociable.
Professional Image Tips
Keep clothes neat, clean and conservative
Wear appropriate clothes
Wear clothes that fit well
Keep shoes conservative, shined and heels in good condition
Keep fingernails clean and well-groomed
Keep hair style conservative and easy to manage
No visible body piercing except conservative ear piercing for women
Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
Minimal jewelry
Minimal cologne or perfume
No body odor
Body Language
Appearance includes body language. You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at
them. Consider the following:
Body Language Tips
Never slouch. Keep the knees straight, hips tucked under and chest held high
Keep head held up, chin parallel to the floor, shoulders relaxed
Work to overcome nervous mannerisms
Smile
Be friendly
Acting Like A Leader
leaders are constantly in the spotlight. They are watched and judged by their actions.
leaders are expected to present a positive image at all times.
Show respect for the rights of others
Be courteous
Respect the property of others
Speak moderately
Behave conservatively
Keep personal opinions out of your professional life
Use common sense and discretion
Be on time
Respect the opinion of others
Observe rules and regulations
Ask for help when you need it
Set a good example for others
Offer assistance
One of the most important traits a leader can demonstrate is the ability to work with and
get along with others.
Getting Along With Others
Think before you speak
Speak calmly and persuasively
Always keep your promises
Take every opportunity to say kind and encouraging words
Praise individuals for good work
Show interest in the work of others
Be cheerful
Keep an open mind
Never gossip
Ignore negative comments about yourself and others
Don't call attention to yourself
Good manners are one mark of a professional. Manners were not created to make
people uncomfortable but to help them to do the most sensible and considerate
thing. The follow suggestions will help one mane a good impression.
Professional Etiquette (also see handouts on business and restaurant etiquette)
Meeting People
. Make an effort to meet people wherever you go
. Take the initiative, introduce yourself
. Know how to make proper introductions
. Make a special effort to remember names
. Develop a firm handshake
. Be a good listener
. Be a good conversationalist
Travel Etiquette
. Tipping is common courtesy
If someone at a hotel, restaurant, airport, or taxi provides assistance, tipping is expected
Be conscious of a roommates' needs and respect their privacy
When staying in a private home, respect the host's customs for meals and bedtime
Pick up after yourself. (The hotel staff and hosts in private home shouldn't be treated as personal
servants)
Write thank-you letters
Respect your elders
Table Etiquette
Formal
When dinner is announced, proceed to your seat immediately
Stand behind your seat until the signal to be seated is given by the host
Watch the host for the signal to begin eating
Never refuse to sample food served, a beverage may be politely refused
Unfold your napkin and place it across your lap
Use eating utensils properly
Use discretion and courtesy at all times
Informal dining demands much of the same respect a formal dining. Use your discretion.
Avoid drawing attention through poor manners or obnoxious behavior. This will only
result in negative impressions of you and the organization you represent.
HOSA Officer Application
Name___________________________________________
Office Seeking_________________________________________
List the qualifications which you feel you now possess for this office
If elected to an office would you be willing and able to occasionally stay after school to work on
HOSA projects and fulfill the duties of your office?
Are your grades sufficiently satisfactory to enable you to fulfill an office and devote time to
HOSA?
Why do you want to be an officer in the HOSA chapter?
What could you do to make the chapter a better one?
How would you get more people involved in chapter activities?
What goals or activities would you like to see HOSA accomplish this year?
•
I hereby agree to be familiar with the duties of the office for which I am offering myself
as a candidate. If elected to an office in the _________________chapter of HOSA, I
agree not to make myself a candidate for office in any other school organization whose
duties would conflict with those of HOSA. I understand there will be expenses involved
(uniform, conferences, etc.) and I will be personally responsible for these expenses.
Signature of Applicant_____________________________________
Date