Leadership Styles

Leadership Style

Amber Schmitz

HCS/475

October 31, 2016

Kathrine Crawford

Leadership Style

An effective leader possesses a number of qualities and characteristics. Said leaders also understand that implementing these skills when necessary is a key component to being a successful leader that leads a successful team.

Jason Cuellar, the Chief Accounting Officer at Precision Document Solutions, is one person that is considered to have a successful leadership style. Mr. Cuellar and I have been working together for over a year. While he is technically a manager, he is a highly effective leader as well. He possesses the ability to not only manage, but also lead. He is able to apply the different traits of a leader and manager depending on the current situation. For example, he will delegate a task while also providing a sense of motivation and direction.

Mr. Cuellar uses an array of leadership styles, one included participative leadership. Based upon the task or issue at hand, he will allow the accounting team to share the decision-making process while participating in group discussion and brainstorming. This allows everyone to feel included while also having the influence and information breakdowns from an officer of the company. Along with participative leadership, he also exhibits a democratic leadership style. He is very aware that the staff is out in the field and the coach is on the sidelines; he understands that the staff will be the first ones to encounter issues. So, he is always sure to ask what the team thinks and what problems are that we may run into or need to consider. This is a great way to make the team feel as if their thoughts and knowledge matter and that each individual is an asset. Another leadership style he uses is coaching. Jason offers different situations and solutions all while helping others build strength and knowledge.

After observing Mr. Cuellar’s leadership knowledge and styles, it is believed that he uses two main leadership theories: transformational and situational. It has been discovered that he uses the transformational leadership theory based upon the fact that maintains a positive attitude and even in high-stress situations, provides positive reinforcement. According to "Leadership-Central.com" (2016), “The essence of transformational theories is that leaders transform their followers through their inspirational nature and charismatic personalities.” The "Leadership-Central.com" (2016) website also notes that the transformational theory is based upon the interaction a leader has with his or her followers. This interaction creates a bond and a trust while increasing motivation levels amongst the team. 

Mr. Cuellar also uses the situational leadership theory. He is able to shift leadership styles based upon the situation at hand. Jason is very good at observing people, their style of learning, and what communication and approach will be most effective. His leadership style may vary depending upon with whom he is speaking. According to "Leadership-Central.com" (2016), “…leaders are more likely to express their leadership when they feel that their followers will be responsive.” Many conversations have taken place between myself and Mr. Cuellar about leadership due to the fact that, at the time, I was being considered for the supervisor position. He was able to provide much insight and direction that I otherwise may not have developed.