Path-goal theory is when a leader motivates their followers to meet their objectives, by changing their approach to different types of followers needs (Northouse, 2016). In this situation leaders observe a situation and adapt their behaviors to help followers reach their goals in a manner that works for that individual. Often rewards or incentives are used to give the follower something to work toward (Northouse, 2016). By making a path to an objective clear and unhindered, a leader can motivate their followers to a more satisfying conclusion (House and Mitchell, 1974). Leadership can no longer have a one size fits all approach, followers come from all walks of life, experience, and educations, and their leaders must be willing to meet them halfway. A leader can no longer expect every follower to understand or relate to directives given to them in a cookie cutter way. Today’s leaders need to be inventive, exciting, and reliable; they need to know their audience.
We have all had that one leader who made a difference in who we are and how we developed as an individual. For me is was my soccer coach from high school. I joined the team as a freshman, believing that my skills would make is better than most, boy was I wrong. This coach knocked us down before building us up, she began the first day of practice with a very clear and straightforward guidelines of what she expected and the consequences of failure to meet these directives. I was a bit scared to be honest, no one had ever come right at me like that before, as I looked around at my friends and new teammates, I realized this season would be very different from any other. What I did not see coming, and what I would do this with my own kids when I coached was, if she asked us to run a lap, she ran that lap with us. She made us feel as if there was no moment on that field when we were alone, she was right there running or crawling with the team. She participated in every drill, every lap, every game to the fullest. At the end of the game our coach was just as sweaty and tired as we were, from running the field for the full 60. If we won that game the next practice would not be easier, but would be more fun, running favorite drills or playing games that carved our skills.
While all these path-goal traits made me a better person, none of them could hold a candle to her supportive side. During high school I encountered challenges no kid should, and I had very few places to turn. Two great examples were when I shattered my knee during a game and when I lost my father. After a horrific collision with another player, my right knee was left in pieces, it would require surgery to repair, and ended my days playing full contact soccer. This amazing lady showed up every day to encourage me to get up and move, she spoke to me about life, regret, and moving on. The second example is the death of my father a year after my accident. Coach did not just show up for the horrible days that followed, she listened and figured out what I needed as a kid who had lost her world. She not only led me on the field during my soccer days, she led me in life when even I did not know what I needed, she listened.
I truly wish I could give this woman’s name to the world, but it is not mine to share. My coach showed a full understanding of all aspect of the path-goal theory (Northouse, 2016). Her very stern directive leadership when we needed to know the rules, regulation and what she expected of us as a team was spot on. Not many coaches get on the field anymore and practice with their team (participative leadership), most yell from the sidelines, and some could not participate if they wanted to. While she did reward us with a more exciting practice after a win, the true goal to achieve was always championships. That was drilled in from day one at the very first practice. Her complete understanding of supportive leadership, however, is what made me who I am today. With her supporting me even after I could no longer play, I would never have made it through high school or even life. Leaders have the ability to teach followers so much more than just a job function, they can truly change their lives.
In today’s society, specifically in the youth of tomorrow, there will be a great need for this type of leadership. The next generation, and maybe the current young adults, are used to being catered to and having this one on one type of attention. The future will need leaders who can adapt to their followers and know how to pull the best out of them and when to just listen. It will make being that leader much harder and take far more training in psychology and development then today’s leaders currently have. Path-goal leadership skills will be very important and those who possess them will help to create a better tomorrow.
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. 7th Edition. Los Angeles: Sage
House, R.J., &Mitchell R.R. (1974). The path-goal theory of leadership: Journal of Contemporary Business, 3 81-97