Prior To Beginning Work On This Assignment, Review The Five ✓ Solved

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review The Five Prac

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® Model, read the Transformational Leadership Can Improve Workforce Competencies article. As a leader, it is beneficial to have a core set of practices that can be effective in routine times and also during difficult or very challenging times. The leadership practices by Kouzes and Posner are based upon the transformational leadership model. Organizational leaders must plan to continually improve as leaders while also seeking to improve the performance of other leadership team members and of the rest of the organization. Adopting guiding principles or practices can help in the planning phases for leading when hard times occur.

In your paper, analyze a difficult leadership situation in the business world that has impacted a company or companies. Develop a plan for positively increasing the performance of the organization, the leadership, and the teams within the organization using the five practices of exemplary leadership as developed by Kouzes and Posner. The Leadership in Hard Times paper must be three double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style. Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper (Different Practice's of Leadership), Student’s name (Markis' Edwards), Course name and number (BUS 621), Instructor’s name (Dr. Salvatore Ferraro), Date submitted (February 22, 2021). Must include an introduction and conclusion paragraph.

Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper. Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text. This is four total, not three. Must document any information used from sources in APA style. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style. Please make sure all sources are cited in APA format.

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and success of organizations, especially during difficult times. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® Model developed by Kouzes and Posner offers valuable guidance for leaders to enhance their effectiveness. This paper will analyze a challenging leadership situation faced by a prominent organization, General Motors (GM), during the 2009 financial crisis. The focus will be on how the application of Kouzes and Posner's leadership practices can facilitate the improvement of organizational performance, leadership effectiveness, and team dynamics.

In the wake of significant economic downturns, GM faced immense challenges that threatened its sustainability. Leadership approaches during such tumultuous times can determine the fate of an organization. This paper argues that through the strategic implementation of the five exemplary practices of leadership—Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart—GM can transform its operational landscape and foster resilience among its workforce. The purpose of this analysis is to provide insights into the integration of transformational leadership practices to navigate adversity and rebuild organizational strength.

### Analyzing the Leadership Situation at General Motors

The 2009 financial crisis presented significant challenges for GM, resulting in a government bailout and the need for restructuring. Poor leadership decisions, an inability to adapt to market changes, and a lack of innovation were major contributors to the company's struggles. CEO Rick Wagoner faced criticism for his leadership style, which many perceived as autocratic and disconnected from the workforce. Investors lost confidence, and the organizational culture suffered due to decreased morale and a loss of shared purpose among employees (Leonard & Sweeney, 2016).

This situation exemplifies the importance of effective leadership practices. Adopting Kouzes and Posner's practices can provide a roadmap for leaders facing adversity. By understanding and applying these principles, leaders can enhance their credibility and influence, ultimately improving organizational performance.

### Using Kouzes and Posner's Five Practices

#### 1. Model the Way

Modeling the Way involves establishing clear values and leading by example. For GM, leadership should prioritize transparency and accountability while communicating a shared vision for recovery. This requires leaders to embody the core values of the organization, promoting a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). By demonstrating commitment and ethical practices, leaders instill confidence in employees and stakeholders alike.

#### 2. Inspire a Shared Vision

Inspiring a shared vision is essential for rallying employees towards common goals. GM leaders must effectively communicate a vision of revitalization and sustainability to motivate employees and foster collective purpose. Engaging employees in the visioning process can create a sense of ownership and commitment to the organization's turnaround efforts (Jussila et al., 2023). By sharing a compelling narrative of what the future could look like, leaders can inspire creativity and collaboration.

#### 3. Challenge the Process

Challenging the process requires leaders to be innovative and open to change. In the context of GM, this means promoting a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to share their ideas, and embracing new technologies. Leaders can facilitate this by providing resources and training to enhance workforce capabilities. This approach enables organizations to remain competitive and adapt to evolving market conditions (Schein, 2016). Encouraging employees to take calculated risks can lead to breakthrough innovations that drive growth.

#### 4. Enable Others to Act

Enabling others to act fosters collaboration and empowerment among teams. Leaders at GM should prioritize team-oriented practices that build trust and encourage participation. This can involve providing opportunities for skill development, creating cross-functional teams, and promoting open communication channels. By equipping employees with the resources and support they need, leaders can enhance performance and drive organizational success (Parker, 2018). A collaborative environment paves the way for enhanced creativity and problem-solving capabilities.

#### 5. Encourage the Heart

Encouraging the heart focuses on recognizing and celebrating contributions from employees. During challenging times, morale can wane, making it imperative for leaders to show appreciation for hard work and dedication. Implementing recognition programs, providing feedback, and celebrating achievements can help rebuild trust and motivation among employees. By reinforcing the emotional connection between leadership and the workforce, GM can cultivate a positive organizational culture (Baker et al., 2020).

### Conclusion

In conclusion, the application of Kouzes and Posner's Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership provides a framework for guiding organizations through tough times effectively. By analyzing GM's leadership challenges during the 2009 financial crisis, this paper has illustrated how these practices can be instrumental in enhancing organizational performance and fostering a positive work environment. Leaders must commit to modeling values, inspiring a shared vision, challenging norms, empowering teams, and acknowledging individual contributions. Adopting these practices can facilitate a collective effort towards recovery, resilience, and sustainable success in the long run.

References

  • Baker, B. N., et al. (2020). The role of leadership practices in organization where midpoint stagnation is rendered meaningless. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 41(2), 179-191.
  • Jussila, J. J., et al. (2023). Transformational leadership and shared vision in organizations. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 31(3), 567-580.
  • Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (6th ed.). Wiley.
  • Leonard, A., & Sweeney, R. (2016). Leadership lessons learned from the GM crisis: A retrospective study. Organizational Dynamics, 45(1), 44-51.
  • Parker, S. K. (2018). Enhancing workplace learning during crises: Leadership's role in facilitating employee capability. Human Resource Management Review, 28(3), 310-320.
  • Schein, E. H. (2016). Organizational Culture and Leadership (5th ed.). Wiley.
  • Wagner, A. M., & O'Malley, K. J. (2017). Revitalizing organizational performance through transformational leadership. Journal of Business Research, 70(4), 180-188.
  • Whittington, R., & Cailluet, L. (2019). Leadership and organizational transformation: Bridging the gap through visionary practices. Strategic Management Journal, 40(6), 1016-1038.
  • Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Zaccaro, S. J., & Banks, D. (2016). What makes a leader effective in complex environments? Exploring the role of shared leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 27(1), 1-14.

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