Discussion: Case Study

Please respond to a classmate’s discussion. You
should identify strengths and weaknesses and offer insights from your review of the case study.

Discussion 1:

Question 1

According to the case study, Sandra Coke must select a new director of research for the company with hopes of increasing growth and productivity. She has three viable candidates to choose from, and they all have qualities and credentials that could be promising for the position (Northouse). If I were Sandra, my first selection would be Kelsey Metts. Based on leadership traits, Kelsey has significant qualities that led me to believe that she is the most capable of leading and fulfilling the responsibilities of the director of research role. The main characteristics or traits that Kelsey posses are sociability and intelligence. These traits are more highly desired by subordinates in their leaders than others. A sociable leader makes employees feel as if their thoughts and concerns are being taken seriously, and they also can create a culture of inclusion and collaboration, which leads to higher productivity and performance (Richard et al., 2022). That role can exist within the department where someone like Alexa Smith has the creativity and insightfulness to create new products for the company. Kelsey would be more suited to lead the department because of the traits she possesses and her education.

Question 2

The trait approach is beneficial in this scenario because it helps narrow down the qualities that are important to the required job. The department needs a leader more than anything else, and the traits and qualities that Kelsey posses help identify her as the primary candidate. The trait approach is a good tool to identify desirable traits in people and better align them with different leadership roles (Gottfredson & Reina, 2020). A leader does not necessarily have to be an expert in any specific field; however, they should know how to best lead the people in that field and serve their needs.

Biblical Integration

In the Bible, there are several examples of leadership traits. Jesus displays several of these traits on a consistent basis. Mark 10:45 (King James Bible, 2017) says, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” This passage speaks of the humility leadership trait that Jesus possesses and displays.

Conclusion

Leadership is somewhat hard to define for many as it means something different to everyone. Everyone has different things that they value in leaders, as the leadership-followership relationship is personal to everyone. The leadership trait approach is a good place to start when identifying certain qualities we seek in leaders.

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