The Leadership Blimp: Path-Goal Theory

Anonymous

Background

A military defense company based in Melbourne, Florida has been tasked with developing a new robotic spy blimp to be used in military operations in the middle east. This project is to be complete within five years and has been tasked to a specific group of aeronautical engineers.

The Dilemma

The military is looking for a new/updated defense mechanism to use with military spy operations in the middle east. Former spy blimps do not have the capabilities to be controlled remotely and do not have proper protective shields needed to defend against modern day artillery. The engineers have been tasked with creating a completely remote-controlled, military grade blimp to monitor foreign activities.  

Three engineers have more than five years of experience with military defense contracts and seven engineers have less than five years of experience in military defense systems. The project manager, Sterling, has had military engineering/ defense systems experience for 27 years.  After a successful launch of the blimp senior engineers will have an opportunity to become lead engineers on future defense projects with the junior engineers having opportunities to become senior engineers on future projects such as the development of the future stealth bomber.

Decision-Making Process/The Decision 

Sterling implements clear objectives and provides structured plans for each team member. He organizes weekly meetings to outline specific tasks and deadlines. Sterling regularly checks in on his team members to address their concerns and provides encouragement. He also arranges team-building activities and offers flexible work hours to accommodate personal needs.

He often encourages team members to participate in decision-making processes along the way. For example, he organized brainstorming sessions on the correct materials to use for the blimp to ensure the most optimal security measures for the blimp to be a success. Sterling sets challenging but attainable goals and motivates the team. There are regular celebrations of major project milestones.  

Outcomes

Short- Term: Development of the remote-controlled military blimp was a success due largely to Sterling’s leadership approach with his fellow engineers.  

Long -Term: The success of this project has led to the promotion of all of the senior and junior engineers for future projects.  

Discussion Questions

1.  How did Sterling’s path-goal leadership methods influence the success in the project completion?
2. What alternative actions could have been taken to create a more balanced work environment?
3. Based on path-goal leadership methods, how does Sterling’s relationship approach to project completion affect the future of the organization? How does allowing other engineers to participate in decision-making processes affect the future of the organization?

License

This case study is licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.