Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Y Essay Example

After reading McGregor’s explanation of Theory X and Theory Y, I would definitely describe my philosophy of leadership a mixture of the two theories, but with more emphasis on Theory Y. When in a leadership position, I will give general directions and or tasks and allow the followers to “accept and seek responsibility” (Northouse, 2018). In general, I feel that if an individual sees his or her job as a career and truly enjoys it, he or she will not dread coming to work and have the mind frame of “to be P-A-I-D” (Northouse, 2018). If given autonomy, they will be self-motivated to do things other than their defined requirements and will not require constant management.   

Because I see a mixture of Theory X and Theory Y in my idea of leadership philosophy, I am not surprised that my questionnaire results reflect a democratic leadership style. Out of the three styles of leadership styles, the democratic style comes easiest for me.  I identify with this style more because I believe in a team approach to where a leader is willing to perform or help perform tasks that the followers have to perform by “leading work with followers” (Northouse, 2018). For example, once I give a task to a student, I try to give suggestions instead of telling the student how to fix a problem right away if they are performing the task. In Simon Sinek’s video on Learning How Not to Manage People, he made good points about how to critique your followers work. He mentioned that a leader should not berate people or give negative criticize. Instead, give constructive criticism by pointing out people’s strengths and make suggestions on how to improve in the areas they are lacking. One should be respectful, and honest about what they can and cannot do. One should also commit one’s self in order to help people (Simon Sinek on Learning How Not to Manage People, 2014). I have proven this to be true by reflecting on how people respond to my leadership style.  Each year, Emory’s Anesthesiologist Assistant Program students are asked to evaluate hundreds of preceptors that they work with and the seniors vote for the preceptor of the year. I have never received a negative evaluation and have received the preceptor award in 2017 and 2020.  

It is sometimes hard to help followers take responsibility for themselves, but watching Simon Sinek videos on Learning How Not to Manage People and Empathy and Perspective is an excellent start. His videos stress that showing empathy is power and the safety that people want to feel safe must be a joint effort from the boss and employee (Simon Sinek on Learning How Not to Manage People, 2014). He also points out that we all the capacity to be a leader, but everyone should not lead because of the personal sacrifice that is required (Most Leaders Don’t Even Know the Game They’re In | Simon Sinek, 2016). A leader should focus on empathy and perspective to create an environment where vulnerability allows followers to admit they do not know what they are doing, especially with the younger generation. They want to work in an environment “where they feel that someone cares about them as a human-being” (Most Leaders Don’t Even Know the Game They’re In | Simon Sinek, 2016). When I am precepting a student, I always remember that I was once a student and try to relate to how they are feeling when they make a mistake or are unsure of something, instead of trying to always be right or in charge. By reflecting back on my student days, I am able to give pearls of wisdom on how to help themselves to become better anesthesists. I try to provide a vulnerable environment where there are no dumb questions and communication with constructive feedback is available. This is a more effective way to lead and possible get things done more efficiently.