A project manager is leading a new project that requires significant cross-functional collaboration. The team members are highly competent individually but come from different organizational silos, each with established leaders and reporting structures. The project manager needs to establish leadership that unites the team towards common project objectives without undermining existing functional leadership. Which leadership approach is MOST appropriate for the project manager to adopt?
- AAuthoritarian leadership, by making all key decisions independently to ensure project direction and control.
- BLaissez-faire leadership, by allowing team members complete autonomy and minimal intervention to foster self-organization.
- CServant leadership, by focusing on supporting the team's needs, removing impediments, and fostering their growth to achieve project goals.
- DTransactional leadership, by establishing clear performance incentives and penalties to motivate team members to meet objectives.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Servant leadership, by focusing on supporting the team's needs, removing impediments, and fostering their growth to achieve project goals.
Servant leadership is most appropriate. By focusing on supporting the team's needs, removing impediments, and fostering their growth, the project manager unites the team towards common goals without undermining functional leadership. This approach empowers team members and builds trust, leading to better collaboration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Authoritarian leadership would likely clash with existing functional leadership and reduce team buy-in, especially in a cross-functional environment.
- B. Laissez-faire leadership would exacerbate issues in a cross-functional team needing strong coordination, potentially leading to further fragmentation and missed objectives.
- D. Transactional leadership focuses on rewards and punishments, which can be effective for specific tasks but may not foster the deep collaboration and shared purpose needed for complex cross-functional projects.
Lead a Team (Servant Leadership)
A leadership philosophy where the leader's primary goal is to serve the needs of others (team members, stakeholders, organization). They prioritize team growth, well-being, and autonomy, leading to improved performance and collaboration.
- Focuses on empowering and developing team members.
- Emphasizes empathy, listening, and stewardship.
- Builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment.
Memory trick: Serve the Team, Guide the Way, Grow Together.