Summary Of Eden Sinclair's Autocratic Style

1. Autocratic Style
(pg. 434) The autocratic style is defined by the text as “a style of leadership in which the leader uses strong, directive, controlling actions to enforce the rules, regulations, activities, and relationships in the work environment.” Inside the helicopter, the interaction between Michael Canaris and Major Eden Sinclair, is an example of the autocratic style in action. Canaris, (the autocratic style ‘leader’), meets briefly with Sinclair, (the autocratic style ‘follower’), in the helicopter before take-off; his direction to Sinclair concerning the details of her assignment, is direct, strong, and controlled- revealing the strict policy that frames their work environment managed by rules and regulations. Sinclair, in this

435) The authority compliance manager, is “a leader who emphasizes efficient production.” Canaris, in this scene, is the textbook definition of the authority compliance manager- his concern is primarily, tight control and highly efficient production, where ‘production’, in this case, is Sinclair’s successful completion of her assignment. Canaris, (the authority compliance manager), considers human relations unnecessary; although he knows her assignment is dangerous and she may not make it back, Canaris shows no care or concern for Sinclair’s well-being, mission successful or not; his main concern is that she carries out her assignment and successfully produces; “finds the cure” and brings it back to

440) From House’s Path-Goal Theory, “the basic role of the leader is to clear the follower’s path to the goal”; there are four leader behavior styles to “help followers clarify the paths that will lead them to work/personal goals: directive, supportive, participative, and achievement oriented”- “the directive style is used when the leader must give specific guidance about work tasks, schedule work, and let followers know what is expected.” In this scene, Chief Nelson uses the directive style with Sinclair. In the car ride over to meet with Canaris, Nelson’s direction to Sinclair is simple and clear, “Focus on the mission- this is not a personal quest you’re on.” When Sinclair asks who’s behind her assignment, Nelson’s tone reasserts his position and puts direct emphasis on the importance of Sinclair understanding her role and position in this assignment when it comes to taking direction from Canaris, “It’s Canaris, who pulls the stings- the power behind the thrown. Not someone, you want to pick a fight with.” Nelson expects Sinclair to follow his direction and listen to the orders that she’s about to receive from Canaris concerning her