Leader Behavior

Part of the many facets of being a great leader is developing relationships with your peers as well as your subordinates.  There are two theories based that analyze these relationships:

• Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)  Theory - In this theory, relationships that leaders have with their subordinates is a two way street.  Many exchanges are formed in three phases: 1) Stranger, 2) Acquaintance, and  3)Partnership.
• Path/Goal Theory - This leader's behavior is contingent upon the leader's satisfaction with the follower's performance.  The leader guides and motivates the follower to achieve goals.  They modify their leadership style depending on the situation.  

                      

An application of these theories can be seen in almost any television program, but I chose to use LOST.  Not only because I am a huge fan of the show, but there are many leaders in the show at different times.  There is never one static leader or leadership style.  I chose the season three opener, "A Tale of Two Cities" simply due to the fact that season three is my favorite season.  What the heck is LOST?

In this episode, all of the main characters, Jack, Kate, and Sawyer find themselves in bad situations.  Ben, the leader of "The Others" has captured them all and caged each of them in different manners.  He knows their personalities, and knows how to manipulate each of their situations individually in order for them to get them to do what he wants them to do.  Ben is the prime example of a task-oriented leader that lacks any integrity. He accomplishes his own goals, with no regard to his subordinates  the only relationships he builds are those based on manipulation. 

Jack on the other hand is an excellent example of a good leader.  He follows the Path/Goal Theory because all of his actions are concerned with the team.  In the episode I watched, the first contact he had with a person, he asked "Where are my friends?"  Most people in this situation would have asked to be let out or question why they are there in the first place. If you have or have had the opportunity to watch more episodes of LOST, you would also see that Jack motivates the team to work towards a common goal--getting off the island.  His mantra, "Live together, die alone," is an example of his thoughts on leadership.  he knows that they must all work together, no matter what their roles to achieve success.