Types of Safety Leadership

Question 1

List and explain the types of safety leadership

Answer 1

TRANSFORMATIONAL
Based on the assumption that people will follow a person who inspires them, and that the way things get done is by generating enthusiasm and energy. The aim is to engage and convert the workforce to the vision of the leader. Transformational leaders need to have a clear idea of the way forward, and always need to be visible. This style is a continuing effort to motivate the workforce. These leaders are people-oriented and believe that success is achieved through commitment. These leaders focus on supervisor support, training and communication.

TRANSACTIONAL
This leadership is based on the assumption that people are motivated by reward and punishment and social systems work best with a clear chain of command. The prime purpose of a subordinate is to do what their manager tells them to do. The leader creates clear structures setting out what is required and the associated rewards or punishments. The main limitation is the assumption that individuals are simply motivated by reward and exhibit predictable behavior. These leaders tend t focus on compliance, rules and inspection.

SERVANT
Servant leadership is based on the assumption that leaders have a responsibility towards society and those who are disadvantages. This leader aims to serve others and help them achieve and improve. Key principles include personal growth, environments that empower and encourage service, trusting relationships to encourage collaboration and the creation of environments where people can trust each other and work together. These leaders focus on co-operation, consultation, personal growth and well-being

SITUATIONAL & CONTEXTUAL (HERSEY & BLANCHARD)
Hersey & Blanchard recognize that tasks are different and each type of task requires a different leadership approach. A good leader will adapt to the goals to be accomplished.

Question 2

List the advantages of transformational leadership

Answer 2

Promotes 2-way communication

Creates strong bond between manager and employee

Encourages continuous improvement

Helps employees adapt to changes

Encourages work ownership

Encourages employees to become more active so develops next generation of leaders

Question 3

List the advantages of transactional leadership

Answer 3

Encourages consistent quality processes and outcomes

Not dependent on personal traits such as charisma or inspiration

Leaves little room for misinterpretation or ambiguity

Works well when short-term results are needed fast

Question 4

List the advantages of servant leadership

Answer 4

Allows for personalized management for each member of the team

Develops a key sense of loyalty from employee to company

Gets employees involved in decision making

Encourages a high sense of morale which can help increase productivity

Question 5

List the advantages of situational/contextual leadership

Answer 5

Easy to understand and use

Employees are given appropriate level of direction and support based on individual needs

Flexible

Question 6

List the disadvantages of transformational leadership

Answer 6

Leaders passion and enthusiasm may not align with reality

Encourages concentration on the big picture so may lose sight of the detail

Question 7

List the disadvantages of transactional leadership

Answer 7

Too simplistic - fails to account for individual motivations

Unwillingness to consider other ideas limits leaders ability to adjust if things go wrong

Employees may become unhappy and dissatisfied

Leader must be present to guarantee the work gets done properly

Question 8

List the disadvantages of servant leadership

Answer 8

May be seen as a weakness

May be too soft for the private sector

Relies on the assumption that followers want to serve others

Question 9

List the disadvantages of situational/contextual leadership

Answer 9

Managers must accurately be able to assess the employees maturity and skill level

Can result in inconsistency

Can be perceived as manipulative or coercive

Question 10

List the behavioral attributes of an effective leader

Answer 10

Integrity
Appreciation of corporate responsibility
Being emotionally positive & detached
Leading by example
Supporting & backing people
Treating everyone equally & on merit
Being firm and clear on bad behaviour
Listening to and understanding people
Always taking responsibility & blame
Giving credit for successes
Asking for views, but remaining neutral
Being honest but sensitive
Keeping promises
Always accentuating the positive
Involving people in thinking