Leadership is a complex process that requires leaders to critically appraise the circumstances in which they find themselves to best determine how to lead and influence those around them. There are multiple tactics a leader can employ in any given circumstance to influence a situation or their followers. Compare two leaders you have dealt with in the past.  What different tactics did these leaders employ to influence situations or people?  Which tactics were successful? Which tactics were not successful? As a leader, how can you critically appraise situations to make sure you select appropriate tactics for influencing a given situation? A leader has access to plethora of tactics to influence its followers and to be used in numerous situations. Cohen, (2000) has recognized eight crucial tactics that leaders might use in circumstances to sway a group of followers irrespective of leadership styles. The eight essential leadership tactics are: direction, persuasion, negotiation, involvement, indirection, enlistment, redirection, and reputation (Cohen, 2000). I have had many supervisors in my different careers.  The two most recent leaders that I have worked with have used different tactics to influence situations or people. My favorite leader of the two made the call for change and explained why if there were concerns, he will say let’s try and if it doesn’t work, we will change it. It usually worked on his favor he was fun and made work fun. When things will not go well, he always had the right plan and even when his plans didn’t work, he had the right words to lift our spirits. The other leader that I respected had a more direct approached, he will make changes and when met resistance it was his way or the highway, but he will work shoulder to shoulder with his team and he was well respected.  During my time working with him things went smooth and you could always be assured that everything was done fairly. Both tactics where successful but the fact that the first leader was always willing to hear you out caused staff to really like him and work for him. A leader, should always take in consideration the two sides, gather as much information as possible, and make a balance decision. Refrence: Cohen, W. A. (2000). The new art of the leader. U.S.: Prentice Hall Direct Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it

In the realm of leadership, there are various tactics that leaders can employ to influence situations or people. This assignment seeks to compare two leaders that the student has dealt with in the past and examine the different tactics they employed. Additionally, it explores which tactics were successful and which ones were not. Finally, it delves into the importance of critically appraising situations to select appropriate tactics for influencing a given situation.

According to Cohen (2000), there are eight essential leadership tactics that leaders can utilize to sway a group of followers, regardless of their specific leadership style. These tactics include direction, persuasion, negotiation, involvement, indirection, enlistment, redirection, and reputation.

In the student’s personal experience, they have encountered two leaders who employed different tactics to influence situations or people. The first leader favored a more collaborative approach. They would call for change and explain the reasons behind it. If there were concerns, this leader would be open to trying alternative methods and adjusting accordingly. Their fun and engaging demeanor made work enjoyable, and they possessed the ability to lift the team’s spirits even when their plans did not work as intended.

On the other hand, the second leader adopted a more direct and authoritative approach. They would implement changes and when met with resistance, they would assert their position. This leader commanded respect and worked alongside their team, ensuring that everything was handled fairly and smoothly.

Both tactics employed by these leaders were successful in their respective contexts. However, the first leader stood out due to their willingness to listen and consider different perspectives. This quality garnered the respect and loyalty of the staff, making them more inclined to work for this leader.

Critically appraising situations is crucial for leaders to determine the appropriate tactics for influencing a given situation. It involves gathering as much information as possible, considering different viewpoints, and making a balanced decision. By critically assessing the circumstances, leaders can select the most effective tactics that align with the goals and objectives of the organization and individual needs of their followers.

In conclusion, leadership encompasses a complex process that demands leaders to critically evaluate their circumstances and employ appropriate tactics to influence those around them. There are various tactics available to leaders, as recognized by Cohen (2000), including direction, persuasion, negotiation, involvement, indirection, enlistment, redirection, and reputation. The comparison of two leaders the student has dealt with in the past demonstrated the success of different tactics employed. Collaborative leadership, characterized by a willingness to listen and adapt, generated a positive response from the team. On the other hand, a more direct and authoritative approach commanded respect and ensured fairness. Critically appraising situations is key to selecting appropriate tactics for influencing a given situation, as it allows leaders to gather information and make informed decisions.