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Understand leadership styles and models

Case Study

Sven is the manager of a medium-sized food store and directly manages a team of around 20 departmental managers, who between them are responsible for almost 300 people. His leadership style is usually to allow his managers to make most operational decisions. However, if, for example, an accident occurs in the store, Sven may take control to ensure a prompt and co-ordinated response. His preferred leadership style is to take a democratic approach. Sven consults widely as he feels that staff respond better to this approach. For example, when planning a major stock reduction programme, managers are encouraged to put forward ideas and develop plans. However, as a store manager, Sven deals with many different situations. Some may be business critical and it is important that he responds to these in the most appropriate way. In such situations, Sven may need to adapt his leadership approach and exert more authority. Source: Business Case Studies
  1. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of the leadership style that Sven has adopted?
  2. Why is including your team and consulting widely important?
  3. Do you adapt your leadership style to different situations, and if not – can you see this working in your role?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.