Question

How can a leader recognize a regressive cycle, and what should the response be?

Answer 1

The regression cycle can be used to determine the performance readiness level of the followers. A leader recognize a regressive cycle when performance begins to become less effective. For some or other reason, previously high performing individual or the groups starts to perform at lower level. This may be occurs due to high strength competing responses or outside influences which may be viewed as requiring high strength needs. The reason for decrease in the performance can be due to personal reasons, boredom, off the job, burnout etc. In order to improve in the performance , the leaders should need to match their leadership style to performance readiness level of the individual or the group which needs improvement. One of the appropriate intervention can be made , the leader may often move back to the former leadership style without going through the process of positively reinforcing successive approximations.