Leadership Situation: Situational Approach to Leadership Issues Essay

Leadership Situation:

Situational approach to leadership issues and challenges is one of the most commonly recognized approaches to leadership. This approach was developed in 1969 by Hersey and Blanchard and based on concepts from 3D management style theory by Reddin in 1967 (Northouse, 2010, p.89). As the name suggests, situational leadership emphasizes on leadership in situations based on the fact different conditions require different types of leadership. This implies that an effective leader needs to be an individual that adapt his/her leadership style and skills to the demands of various situations. This approach to leadership emphasizes that leadership consists of a directive and supportive dimension, and that each dimension has to be applied effectively in a particular situation. Notably, when addressing a leadership situation through this approach, the process usually involves applying development level and style in the particular issue or situation.

Example of Leadership Situation:

An example of a contemporary leadership situation is the leadership vacuum that occurred in Miami Dolphins team in the National Football League. The situation involves the troubled relationship between Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, the team's offensive linemen. This troubled relationship has had tremendous impacts on the team, which is in turmoil while the two players have been sidelined (Wine, 2013). In addition, the confusion has generated concerns on whether Dolphins' coach, Joe Philbin and his staff were negligent in permitting issues between the two players to worsen.Actually, ex-players and current players in NFL have stated that the situation is a reflection of a lack of leadership since the teammates of both players did not intervene. The lack of leadership in this situation is also demonstrated by the fact that the leaders of the team did not intervene in the situation.

In attempts to resolve the situation, NFL officials have tried to determine the specific issues regarding the saga such as who knew what about the situation and when. These officials are also conducting investigations on whether Incognito bullied or harassed Martin (Wine, 2013). A second-year tackle from Stanford, Jonathan Martin left the Miami Dolphins team and went to California together with his family to undergo counseling for emotional problems. On the contrary, Incognito has been suspended indefinitely by the National Football League. According to reports from reliable sources, Incognito harassed Martin through various ways including threatening and racist text messages and wrong treatment. The NFL also appointed a senior partner in a New York law company with experience in sports issues and cases to investigate the team's working environment and prepare a report that will be revealed to the public. On the other hand, the team's coach stated that….....