THE BMZ ACADEMY
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 18
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Question 1 .................................................................................................................. 3
Leadership Analysis of Michael Collins at Creighton Auto Parts ............................ 3
1.1 Leadership Traits Displayed by Michael Collins ................................................... 3
Optimism and Self-Confidence ............................................................................... 3
Honesty and Integrity .............................................................................................. 4
Humility and Openness to Feedback ...................................................................... 5
1.2 Michael Collins’ Position on the Leadership Grid ................................................. 5
High Concern for People ........................................................................................ 6
High Concern for Production and Organisational Goals ......................................... 6
Most Effective Leadership Style on the Leadership Grid ........................................ 6
Question 2 .................................................................................................................. 7
Contingency Approaches to Leadership: A Comparative Analysis ............................. 7
2.1 Comparison and Discussion of the Five Contingency Approaches ...................... 8
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory ......................................... 8
Fiedler’s Contingency Model .................................................................................. 8
Path–Goal Theory................................................................................................... 8
The Vroom–Jago Contingency Model..................................................................... 9
Substitutes-for-Leadership Approach ..................................................................... 9
Comparative Analysis ............................................................................................. 9
2.2 Preferred Leadership Approach ......................................................................... 10
Self-Evaluation and Reflection on Learning and Graduateness ............................... 10
References ............................................................................................................... 16
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 18
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Question 1
Leadership Analysis of Michael Collins at Creighton Auto Parts
Leadership effectiveness is often influenced by the personal traits and behavioural
patterns demonstrated by leaders when interacting with their followers and guiding
organisations toward their strategic objectives. Leadership scholars have long
emphasised that certain personal characteristics, including optimism, self-confidence,
honesty and integrity, and humility, are particularly important for effective leadership.
These traits shape how leaders communicate with employees, respond to challenges,
and build trust within their organisations (Daft, 2023). The case study of Michael
Collins, the newly appointed Regional Manager of Creighton Auto Parts, provides a
practical illustration of how leadership traits and leadership behaviour can influence
organisational dynamics. Collins’ actions during the transition period into his new role
demonstrate several key leadership traits associated with effective leadership.
Furthermore, his leadership behaviour can be analysed using the Leadership Grid
framework developed by Blake and Mouton, which evaluates leadership styles
according to the leader’s concern for people and concern for production. The following
discussion therefore analyses the leadership traits displayed by Michael Collins and
evaluates his leadership style within the context of the Leadership Grid model.
1.1 Leadership Traits Displayed by Michael Collins
Leadership trait theory proposes that certain personal characteristics contribute
significantly to leadership effectiveness because they influence how leaders behave
and interact with followers. Traits such as optimism and self-confidence, honesty and
integrity, and humility are widely recognised as essential leadership attributes because
they enable leaders to inspire confidence, maintain ethical standards, and promote
collaboration within organisations (Daft, 2023; Northouse, 2022). An analysis of the
Creighton Auto Parts case study indicates that Michael Collins demonstrates these
traits in several ways.
Optimism and Self-Confidence
Optimism is a key leadership trait that enables leaders to approach challenges with a
positive outlook and to view organisational change as an opportunity rather than a
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 18
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 18
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Question 1 .................................................................................................................. 3
Leadership Analysis of Michael Collins at Creighton Auto Parts ............................ 3
1.1 Leadership Traits Displayed by Michael Collins ................................................... 3
Optimism and Self-Confidence ............................................................................... 3
Honesty and Integrity .............................................................................................. 4
Humility and Openness to Feedback ...................................................................... 5
1.2 Michael Collins’ Position on the Leadership Grid ................................................. 5
High Concern for People ........................................................................................ 6
High Concern for Production and Organisational Goals ......................................... 6
Most Effective Leadership Style on the Leadership Grid ........................................ 6
Question 2 .................................................................................................................. 7
Contingency Approaches to Leadership: A Comparative Analysis ............................. 7
2.1 Comparison and Discussion of the Five Contingency Approaches ...................... 8
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory ......................................... 8
Fiedler’s Contingency Model .................................................................................. 8
Path–Goal Theory................................................................................................... 8
The Vroom–Jago Contingency Model..................................................................... 9
Substitutes-for-Leadership Approach ..................................................................... 9
Comparative Analysis ............................................................................................. 9
2.2 Preferred Leadership Approach ......................................................................... 10
Self-Evaluation and Reflection on Learning and Graduateness ............................... 10
References ............................................................................................................... 16
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 18
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Question 1
Leadership Analysis of Michael Collins at Creighton Auto Parts
Leadership effectiveness is often influenced by the personal traits and behavioural
patterns demonstrated by leaders when interacting with their followers and guiding
organisations toward their strategic objectives. Leadership scholars have long
emphasised that certain personal characteristics, including optimism, self-confidence,
honesty and integrity, and humility, are particularly important for effective leadership.
These traits shape how leaders communicate with employees, respond to challenges,
and build trust within their organisations (Daft, 2023). The case study of Michael
Collins, the newly appointed Regional Manager of Creighton Auto Parts, provides a
practical illustration of how leadership traits and leadership behaviour can influence
organisational dynamics. Collins’ actions during the transition period into his new role
demonstrate several key leadership traits associated with effective leadership.
Furthermore, his leadership behaviour can be analysed using the Leadership Grid
framework developed by Blake and Mouton, which evaluates leadership styles
according to the leader’s concern for people and concern for production. The following
discussion therefore analyses the leadership traits displayed by Michael Collins and
evaluates his leadership style within the context of the Leadership Grid model.
1.1 Leadership Traits Displayed by Michael Collins
Leadership trait theory proposes that certain personal characteristics contribute
significantly to leadership effectiveness because they influence how leaders behave
and interact with followers. Traits such as optimism and self-confidence, honesty and
integrity, and humility are widely recognised as essential leadership attributes because
they enable leaders to inspire confidence, maintain ethical standards, and promote
collaboration within organisations (Daft, 2023; Northouse, 2022). An analysis of the
Creighton Auto Parts case study indicates that Michael Collins demonstrates these
traits in several ways.
Optimism and Self-Confidence
Optimism is a key leadership trait that enables leaders to approach challenges with a
positive outlook and to view organisational change as an opportunity rather than a
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 18
