My definition of a leader is someone who can inspire their followers to attain their goals. Believing this, I agree most with the human resources approach to leadership style in an organizational environment. In this approach the overall atmosphere of the organization is taken into account, in addition to encouraging employee participation and communication. The Maslow's hierarchy of needs shows the process of satisfaction for individuals, in this process which we are all going through, each person is on a path trying to reach "self-actualization," which is ultimately reaching our highest possible potential. The steps to personal satisfaction being: physiological, safety, love, self-esteem and lastly self-actualization. What Maslow's continues to show, via Eupsychian Management, is that "conditions that foster individual health are often surprisingly good for the prosperity of the organization" (Eisenberg, 87). As a result, in order to be successful, leaders (managers) should set goals that coincide with those of the individual and the organization. An example of doing this, is when companies advertise jobs in the light that they will help the individual achieve self-actualization. When employees can reach their full potential in the work place, they will continue to do well for the company because it is fulfilling for themselves.
It seems this idea works out well for everyone involved and while it is the best solution, good things don't come easy. It is the hardest approach to actuate into an organization. It involves time and commitment from all parties and is definitely on the extreme left side of the spectrum, as it would be hard for bureaucracies to make the switch to such an approach. I think it would definitely be worth the work, because the "open communication between managers and employees ensures creativity, adaptability to change, and satisfaction of the individual's needs and motivations." (Eisenberg, 94) I know that I would like to be in a position of leadership at some point in my future and in making these decisions in my organization I will definitely want to create an environment that facilitates learning and creates challenges that promote my followers to use their skills and rise to challenges. With this approach, they do well for the company and feel good that they worked hard at something. Thus giving them more self worth and worth to the company.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I totally agree that Eupsychian Management is an ideal form of managing that really does take into account an individuals strengths and gears a position toward those strengths. Ultimately, it is prosperous for the company because they benefit from the increased productivity and quality that employee puts out.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is somewhat of a fairy tale approach i think that if more companies took the time to invest in these types of techniques their employees and companies alike would thrive.