Management Question

GreenWave Technologies, a mid-sized software company, recently initiated an ambitious project to implement a company-wide ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing data integration across departments. The company appointed Sophia Carter, a seasoned project manager with a strong track record in technical delivery, to lead the initiative. Early in the project, Sophia adopted a transactional leadership style, emphasizing timelines, task completion, and structured reporting. Her approach worked well during the planning and initial development stages. However, as the project moved into the testing and implementation phases, the team began to experience low morale, stress due to tight deadlines, and growing tension between departments over system configurations. Sophia realized that while her structured leadership got the project off the ground, it wasnt enough to keep the team aligned and motivated under pressure. She began researching alternative leadership models and reflected on the transformational leadership model, which focuses on inspiration, motivation, and team empowerment. Recognizing the need for change, Sophia began to:

  • Encourage open team discussions about challenges and ideas
  • Publicly recognize team achievements, big or small
  • Involve team members in decision-making to foster ownership
  • Shift from micromanagement to coaching and mentoring

As Sophia transitioned to a more transformational style, she noticed changes in the team. Communication improved, team members became more proactive, and the level of cross-functional collaboration increased. The team felt more committed to the projects goals and more confident in their roles.

Despite initial setbacks, the GreenWave ERP project was delivered two weeks behind schedule but within budgetand with higher user satisfaction and lower employee turnover than expected. The executive team credited Sophias adaptive leadership and the shift in style for salvaging team morale and ensuring successful delivery.

Questions:

  1. Describe the leadership models Sophia used in this case. How did each model impact the project at different stages?
  2. What would have happened if Sophia had continued using only the transactional leadership model throughout the project? What risks would that have posed?
  3. What leadership model do you personally exhibit in team or project settings (e.g., transformational, servant, transactional, democratic)? Provide a specific example from your experience.
  4. How does your leadership style affect your teams communication, motivation, and overall performance? What adjustments could you make to better serve your project team?
  5. How can understanding and applying different leadership models help a project manager navigate changing team dynamics and challenges throughout the project lifecycle?

Requirements:

  • There is no minimum or maximum required number of pages. Your analysis will be considered complete, if it addresses each of the components outlined above.
  • Use of proper APA formatting and citations. If supporting evidence from outside resources is used those must be properly cited. A minimum of 3 – 5 sources (excluding the course textbook) from scholarly articles or business periodicals is required.
  • Include your best critical thinking and analysis to arrive at your justification.

Requirements: whatever it says on the requirements

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