Leadership Challenge: Application of Theory to Leadership Practice

Six to Eight pages (excluding title and references pages)

Classical and contemporary leadership theories offer leaders a "toolbox" of approaches and solutions that can enhance their leadership effectiveness in addressing organizational issues. You will analyze the value of different leadership approaches in resolving a real-world issue. In essence, your leadership challenge is a case study in which you will assess the effectiveness and impact of applying three different leadership theories or models.

Leadership Challenge Paper Guidelines

Six to eight-page paper that briefly describes the situation, defines and applies three leadership theories to the situation, and reflects on insights gained. A well-constructed paper will reference 4 or more scholarly sources including 3 journal articles such as those assigned and retrieved from Brandman's virtual library, and adhere to APA standards.

My leadership challenge selected in week 2

As a leader in Marine Corps Aviation, one of my biggest challenges was fostering collaboration among peers and departments across various squadrons. As a squadron leader, I oversee all Fixed Wing personnel and aircraft, ensuring they work together effectively to achieve our mission of conducting Weapons and Tactics Instruction courses annually, similar to "Top Gun." However, I constantly faced hurdles bridging the gaps between my peers, "Squadron Aviation Chiefs. " We build a robust squadron from every type of model series aircraft and personnel from all Marine Squadrons. The leadership challenge is building a training squadron by collaborating with other active squadrons within the Marines, using their personnel, aircraft, and equipment. We use practical communication tools such as Microsoft TEAMS to promote easy collaboration between each course. However, technology often needs help with personal changing data, which can lead to delays in completing the course tasks. The key players in this process are all Aviation Chiefs from each Marine squadron, who come together twice a year and bid for names for each course. My goal in each conference is to foster a collaborative environment where everyone works together towards a common goal, putting aside their differences. The planning stages can become complicated because everyone is the same rank, each squadron has personal issues, and training operational tempo outside the Weapon and Tactics Course.

As a leader, I tackled the challenge of building a course by first understanding the root cause of the issue. Through open communication and one-on-one conversations with my peers, we looked into specific areas causing the most friction. These included a need for clarity on timelines, required qualified personnel and responsibilities, misunderstandings due to different communication styles, and competing priorities. I have found that building trust within my peer group has helped make planning more efficient and team-building more accessible. This has encouraged more frequent interactions among peers and squadrons, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Situation Description

In no more than one page, describe the leadership challenge which may be an organizational problem, a new initiative, and/or opportunity. In the description, position yourself as the leader, and identify areas of concern, key players (names optional), and your goal(s) in addressing the challenge. The leadership challenge described should be consistent with the one approved by the instructor in week 2 and used in the discussion board in weeks 2 - 4.

Leadership Theories and Models

Select three (3) of the following classic leadershiptheories or models: Leadership Grid, Situational Leadership, Path-Goal, and/or Leader-Member Exchange that are most relevant to your leadership challenge. Define and describe the components of the selected theories using four (4) or more scholarly sources including three (3) journal articles.

Applicationof Theories and Models

Analyze your leadership challenge through the lens of each selected leadership theory providing explicit and direct links to the components of the theory or model as they relate to the situation. Based on your analysis, draw valid conclusions on the impact and value of each theory in addressing your challenge.

Reflective Analysis

In two to three pages, reflect on your effectiveness as the leader in this challenge, discussing three (3) specific insights you learned about leadership from this assignment, and identifying one specific action you will take to enhance your leadership practice. In your reflection, describe what surprised you, the effectiveness of the classic leadership theories in addressing your challenge, and how your thinking and/or behavior changed.

References

Northouse, P.G. (2022). Leadership: Theory & practice (9^thed.) SAGE.