My research focuses on the complexity of mental models associated with leaders in a crisis situation. In order to grasp the thought process during a catastrophic event, it is essential to analyze a conceptual model as it applies to a leader’s cognitive abilities, which is composed of two facets noted as the descriptive and prescriptive mental models, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). The descriptive metal model focuses on the interpretation of external changes that occur in a crisis, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). The prescriptive model concentrates on cause and effect and future actions that provide clarity in the midst of ongoing changes, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). According to the authors, Combe & Carrington, (2015) longitudinal research perspective …show more content…
In order to understand the thought process of leadership during a crisis, the authors state that we must first understand a conceptual model that is theoretically grounded, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). The conceptual model is divided into two elements, the descriptive and prescriptive mental models, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). The descriptive mental model focuses the external changes that occur during a crisis. The prescriptive mental model concentrates on future actions that need to be implemented to derail the cognitive overload due to continuous external changes as the situation unfolds. The prescriptive model aligns objectives, providing clarity to future implications related to the crisis, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). The authors, Combe & Carrington, (2015) have noted the importance of longitudal research perspective to capture the thought processes of interaction, communication and problem solving in a crisis. This type of research method is instrumental in depicting the challenges to incorporate better solutions to evolving situations. Sense making in a crisis defines these issues to ascertain the complexity and provide meaning to the event, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). Sense making entails the filtering of excessive data to identify the areas of importance. This perspective provides a means of taking a negative, that being disruptive and changing it to a positive or opportunity for …show more content…
Ambiguity can create an abundance of interpretations, therefore creating a situation of being overwhelmed do to degraded focus, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). Uncertainty is the direct opposite, by providing minimal to no interpretation, thus leading to misdirection and disorientation, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). It is at these times that it is imperative for a leader to seek assistance and work with a team, which will provide different perspectives in formulating a solution. Working as a team can influence changes in mental models, thus creating cross understanding by sharing the same perceptions in reaching a consensus, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). According to the authors, Combe & Carrington, (2015) cross understanding can be very beneficial to accurate interpretations of a crisis, but at the same time can also lead to errors in judgement. Based on prior research, there is a concern regarding leaders utilizing case based knowledge and prior experience in addressing a crisis, (Combe & Carrington, 2015). I feel that this is partially true due in part to crisis situations being unpredictable events that cannot be modeled from previous case study’s, therefore establishing a set method of addressing the problem might not be the best approach. I would
...g by; First, I would make sure that their is plenty of feedback for the employees. As our text suggests, "Without feedback, learning can not occur"(Crandall, W., Parnell, J. & Spillan, J. (2013). Secondly, I would make sure that I have a great crisis management team that are well trained and drilled. Thirdly, we would have a strategy and plan for crisis events. Also, It is very important to make sure that your team members are all confident in their ability to make good decisions for the company. So many times, people are afraid to make decisions. This leads to scapegoating within the departments, and the whole blame game. That doesn't get anybody anywhere.
In the context of the Situational model leadership theory, there are three identifiable weaknesses in my leadership practice. These weaknesses represent shortcomings in my role as a leader and might prevent my team from fully executing the organization’s mission. The three weaknesses are:
Echterling, Presbury and McKee (2005) define crisis as a turning point in one’s life that is brief, but a crucial time in which, there is opportunity for dramatic growth and positive changes, as well as the danger of violence and devastation. They further state that whatever the outcome, people do not emerge from a crisis unchanged; if there is a negative resolution, the crisis can leave alienation, bitterness, devastated relationships and even death in its wake; on the other hand, if the crisis is resolved successfully a survivor can develop a deeper appreciation for life, a stronger sense of resolve, a mature perspective, greater feelings of competence, and richer relationships.
Before you can summarize the concepts related to leadership theory, you have to define what leadership is. Leadership is a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task or goals. The fundamental concept of leadership is indirection. In any organization, the leader indirectly impacts the performance of the organization through the performance of individual team members. To make that impact, the leader takes on the role of the coach, and the inspiratory. As the coach, the leader improves the performer's skills. As the inspiratory, the leader inspires the passion required for optimal performance. A good leader can make decisions with a clear mind and will listen to theirs but can run through every consequence and possibility in their head. They take every angle and come out with the best answer for the majority of the people or situations it effects. And will not let their emotions be shut off but will have feeling where it is needed.
There are no fixed combination or characteristics to make a Leader perfect. It depends on the situation also certain attributes. There are several leadership theories as there are lots of researchers, professors, philosophers have been studied in leadership theory. Many have tried to identify the characters of different leadership to make a leader authentic (Dems, 2015). Now in below three leadership theory outline very shortly:
Contingency leadership theories attempt to define leadership style, the situation, and answer the if-then contingencies. Situational leadership theory is a contingency theory that focuses on followers’ readiness: the extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task. Path-goal theory states that it is the leader’s job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide direction or support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organization or group goals. Each theory was developed as a separate model for leaders to determine which leadership style to use in different contexts or situations. However, both models can be related to each other and may be even more effective when used together. Effective leaders will recognize that they must adjust their styles and behaviors according to their followers and the environment. By accurately assessing their team’s stage while minimizing redundancies in the environmental structure leaders can improve their team’s performance and satisfaction.
Kumar, S. S. (2014). Leadership crisis and its prevention. Advances in Management, 7(9), 44-46. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1560336520?accountid=12085
Today’s resiliency leader requires unique skill sets to be successful in any organization. Leaders who capture leading by example, vision and helping others weather the storm have taken the first step to success. Followers seek the following key concepts to validate their need for the organizational structure. Visionary leaders look at the big picture of the organization, and they pave the way of future endeavors. Another concept that is equally important to a leader’s vision is leading by example. When the leader introduces the vision into an organization, they need to lead the way by setting the example of what they vision should look like. They must hold themselves and their subordinates accountable for the stage set. Lastly
A cornerstone characteristic among those that have been successful in the society is that during times of stress and pressure, they still show that they are in control of things regardless of the issues that may or may not be within their control. In and during times of pressure, a successful leader inspires the rest of the workforce, people who on many occasions could have lost their faith in the cause because of the pressure. During such times, action is taken by a leader, a leader wouldn’t just sit back and watch as things go wrong while they are capable of making or bringing about changes that are crucial to restore order and productivity. In order for the leader to be effective in this area, they must be capable of properly conducting an assessment of a given situation before they take action. The results of the assessment should primarily provide guidance on the most feasible and effective course of action that the leader should consider taking (Collins, and Porras, 25-7).
Crisis is a critical moment and an important decision have to be made and if not handled carefully, it may lead to a disaster. The characteristics of crisis is the presence of danger and opportunity, seed of growth and change, complicated symptomology, the necessity of choice, no pancreas or quick fixes, universality and idiosyncrasy, resiliency and perception. Crisis can affect a person’s feelings, behaviours and thoughts negatively to the point where they self-harm, commit suicide or even harming others around them. You might not know when crisis will happen as it can happen anytime. Crisis is a dangerous as Ait can harm an individual thoughts to the extend where they commit suicide. It is difficult to understand the effect of description
The choice to act or not to act when crisis strikes lies within a person’s psyche. This
The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention (Kanel, 2010) and the Seven Task of Assessment (James, 2013) process are examples of two models that are used to conduct client evaluations during a crisis. Both models offer effective support techniques that, in turn, assist clients identify and cope with their crisis situations. Also, both models require participation and cooperation from the client in order to successfully carry out the process in its’ entirety.
..., Crisis communication failures: The BP Case Study, International Journal of Advances in Management and Economics, Issue 2, March-April 2013, accessed 28 March 2014,
The communication process is not something that begins when a crisis rears its ugly head rather it is a process that takes place in preparing for a crisis before it happens. While the term crisis represents a blanket term used to describe many situations, each situation is unique, thus presenting different obstacles to overcome. However, with a well-established advanced plan in place an organization places itself in a position to overcome and work around obstacles. The development of a comprehensive crisis management plan is one achieved through effective communication where each member of the crisis management team has an advanced shared understanding of his or her role and responsibility during a time of crisis (du Pr'e, 2005).
...adership Practices in Relation to Productivity and Morale." In D. Cartwright and A. Zander, Group Dynamics: Research and Theory, 2nd ed. (Elmsford, NY: Row, Paterson, 1960)