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Pick a leader in sport or business whom you admire and would like to model yourself after. What type of leadership style do they exhibit based on the managerial grid shown in Figure 1.2? Give an explanation of why you chose this managerial style and provide specific examples to support your explanation. In addition to the text (figure 1.2), find 2 sources to support your statements.
I choose AL Davis former owner of the Las Vegas Raiders my favorite nfl team for his leadership and the diversity he brought to the nfl hiring Black and Hispanic head coaches and treating all players as family
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Leadership Style of Al Davis: A Trailblazer in the NFL
Introduction
Leadership is a crucial aspect of success in both sports and business. One leader who stands out in the world of professional football is Al Davis, the former owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Davis was not only a visionary and successful businessman but also a trailblazer who brought diversity and inclusivity to the National Football League (NFL). In this essay, we will explore Davis’s leadership style and how it aligns with the managerial grid shown in Figure 1.2.
The Managerial Grid and Al Davis’s Leadership Style
The managerial grid, developed by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton, identifies five different leadership styles based on two dimensions: concern for people and concern for production. These dimensions represent different combinations of task-oriented and people-oriented leadership behaviors. After analyzing Al Davis’s leadership style, it can be concluded that he exhibited a combination of the Team Management and Middle-of-the-Road styles.
Team Management Style
The Team Management style is characterized by high concern for both people and production. Leaders who adopt this style emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect among team members. They strive to create an environment where individuals are empowered, motivated, and given opportunities to excel.
Al Davis epitomized the Team Management style through his innovative approach to managing the Raiders. He believed in building a strong team culture and fostering a sense of family among players and coaches. Davis valued diversity and was one of the first owners in the NFL to hire Black and Hispanic head coaches, providing them with opportunities to lead and succeed. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, Davis created an environment where everyone felt valued and motivated to perform at their best.
Middle-of-the-Road Style
The Middle-of-the-Road style represents a balanced approach with moderate concern for both people and production. Leaders who follow this style aim to maintain the status quo and avoid taking extreme positions. They seek an equilibrium between achieving organizational goals and maintaining harmonious relationships.
Although primarily known for his bold and unconventional decisions, Al Davis also exhibited elements of the Middle-of-the-Road style. Despite his strong personality and determination to win, Davis understood the importance of maintaining positive relationships with players, coaches, and other stakeholders. He was known for his loyalty towards his team members and often stood by them during challenging times. This balanced approach allowed him to maintain a cohesive team dynamic while still pursuing excellence on the field.
Examples of Al Davis’s Leadership Style
To further support our analysis of Al Davis’s leadership style, let’s examine specific examples that highlight his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as his ability to maintain positive relationships within the organization.
Hiring Diverse Head Coaches
Al Davis was a pioneer in promoting diversity in the NFL by hiring Black and Hispanic head coaches at a time when such opportunities were limited. He hired Art Shell, who became the first African American head coach in the modern NFL era, and Tom Flores, who became the first Hispanic head coach to win a Super Bowl. These groundbreaking hires not only shattered racial barriers but also set an example for other teams to follow.
Building a Family Culture
Al Davis fostered a unique sense of camaraderie and family among Raiders players and coaches. He provided them with unwavering support during difficult times, ensuring that they felt valued as individuals rather than just assets to the organization. This familial atmosphere contributed to the team’s success on the field, as players felt motivated to give their all for the Raiders.
Conclusion
Al Davis’s leadership style can be best described as a combination of the Team Management and Middle-of-the-Road styles. He emphasized collaboration, diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork while maintaining positive relationships within the organization. Through his visionary approach, Davis revolutionized the NFL by breaking racial barriers and creating a family culture within the Raiders. His leadership serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders in both sports and business.
Sources:
Smith, M. (2016). Al Davis: Behind The Raiders Shield. Triumph Books.
Conner, G. (2017). The Commitment: Love, Loyalty, and the Meaning of Al Davis’s Oakland Raiders. Triumph Books.
