Productivity can be greatly increased, business structure improved, and the bar for employee happiness can also be raised with effective leadership techniques. The path goal theory is one theory that many businesses and executives consider when planning a most effective team management.

Understanding how this theory works and applying it to your methods can help you motivate your staff members and improve group result.

That is why this article explains path goal theory, dissects its various parts, and also provides tips on how to apply it to your business.

What is path goal theory and what does it explain?

The path goal theory states that a leader’s attitude can impact a subordinate directly or otherwise. When someone you’re looking up to inspires you, you gain the momentum to do more, achieve set goals and be happy. So it is when the same leader falls short of your expectation. You find yourself being demotivated, losing tact and probably recoil.

This leadership theory explains that it is possible for a leader to do all the motivation and inspiration there is by outlining the required steps for success and providing the much needed help and direction.

It is expedient to note that it is not out of place for a leader to step in where subordinates lack and make the experience wholesome for the parties involved.

What are the path goal leadership activities?

There are lots of activities going on with the path goal theory. These activities simply help followers gain optimum satisfaction by reaching their goals.

The activities include the following:

• Setting clear and achievable goals: Those who lead teams ensure all members are in the know of the business goals and how they can contribute to the success of the business.
• Providing support: To help team members overcome challenges and attain their goals, it is important that leaders provide direction, resources and help in whatever capacity it is needed.
• Eliminating obstacles: Funny thing about these obstacles that they can come in various forms. Could have something to do with finance, process, or disputes. As a leader, you should identify and ensure you’re all for what makes your subordinates grow.
• Rewards: Where positive behavior and sustained performance thrives, it is only right that you acknowledge and thanks your teammates for being exceptional.

See this: 7 Ways Leaders Use Charismatic Leadership to Improve Team Performance

What are the strengths of path goal theory?

Path goal theory is a powerful tool for understanding and improving the efficacy leadership because it has the following strengths:

• Flexibility: The path goal theory promotes leaders to change their strategy in response to the requirements and preferences of their followers, acknowledging that there is no particular route to effective leadership.
• Clarity: This theory reduces the complexity by outlining goals and providing guidance, which boosts employee motivation and happiness.
• Encouragement: It underlines the importance of rewards and recognitions from leaders to overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals.
• Practice: Leaders can improve follower performance and joy by implementing targeted behaviors and activities by using the path goal theory.
• Real-life examples: It is relatable to a plethora of business conditions since it is backed by several real-world examples of effective leadership techniques.

What leader uses path goal theory?

The leader who uses the path goal theory is one who is intentional about improving employee motivation and performance and makes the road to achieving goals very clear. This leader takes a flexible viewpoint, tailoring their style of leadership to fit the unique demands of the subordinates.

Also, the leader who uses path-goal theory focuses on offering direction, support, and rewards to help achieve objectives and general job satisfaction.

How to apply it effectively

Applying path goal theory effectively involves understanding its principles and implementing them in a way that aligns with the needs and characteristics of your team members and the situational context. The following are how you can apply the path goal theory and be effective while at it

Clarify goals and expectations

• Make sure your team members understand the business’ aims and objectives
• Establish SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives for each team member and for the individual
• Be certain everyone in the team knows their duties and the impact it’ll make to the success of the business.

Change your management approach

• Consider your team members’ preferences and needs besides the situation’s requirements
• Select a unique leadership approach that best suits the work you have at hand and your team’s need. the leadership styles you could choose include: directive, supportive, participative, or achievement-oriented leadership.
• Become flexible and ready to change your leadership style as a growth catalyst for your team.

Related article: The Decisive Advantage: How Decisiveness Sets Leaders Apart

Offer support

• Give direction, guidance, and coaching to help your team member in overcoming difficulties.
• Provide your team members with the necessary tools, resources, and training they need to carry out their tasks.
• Be ready to reply their questions, offer opinions, and be readily available to offer assistance when needed

Remove Obstacles

• Find roadblocks that could stop the team from moving forward
• Take deliberate steps to address problems and reduce risks that would impede you from attaining those set goals
• Give team members the freedom to decide for themselves and take

Offer encouragement and recognition

• Respect and congratulate each team member’s efforts and the collective effort for the team’s success
• Support and constructive criticism are key to raising motivation and morale
• Always give helpful criticism and encouragement so that team members can grow and learn from their experiences

Promote collaboration and communication

• Encourage open communication, cooperation, and teamwork among team members
• Give your team members the chance to express their opinions, share ideas, and participate in decision-making
• Foster a culture of support and inclusivity within the team so that no one feels unappreciated and undervalued.

Assess and change

• Regularly evaluate team’s progress toward goals and objectives.
• Ask team members for their opinions in order to pinpoint areas that need work and potential areas for expansion
• Change your leadership style in response to criticism and evolving conditions to maintain efficacy.

Path goal theory scorecard (Pdf.)

In this article, we have included a scorecard for you. Ensure you take out some time after going through it to ponder on any new steps you want to take. Also, think about ways you can use the path goal theory to achieve your goals.

Read: How Personalized Approaches Lead to Successful Personal Selling

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Highlighting the significance of setting clear goals, offering help, and changing one’s behavior to meets the needs of a subordinate, the path-goal theory provides useful information on good leadership techniques. I hope that you, who’s reading applies them to your leadership journey.

References

• Edapp.com – Why the Path Goal Theory of Leadership is essential at work
• Indeed.com – The Path Goal Theory of Leadership: Meaning and Strategies