Chilean Rescue Review
In the year 2010, a mine collapsed in the Atacama region of northern Chile. The mine trapped 33 miners who were deep underground as those who were close to the entrance managed to escape the mines. Those who were trapped stayed for 69days and managed to survive the escapade. This was after authorities and people globally took immediate and deliberate action to save the lives of those men who were trapped. The rescue team worked collaboratively during that accident with a common goal of saving the lives of those who were trapped.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and adaptability of leaders describe a situation where leaders are expected to cope with the changing environment. The leaders of Chilean mine rescue demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in their roles. For instance, the central leader Urzua adapted his leadership from being military in mining operations to a decision maker in a very democratic way. The decisions that were made enabled the team to rescue those who were trapped. The team worked together to achieve a common goal. The leaders adapted so quickly and were able to take charge and monitor the whole situation while also allowing others to be innovative and empowered. As the situation became harder to manage, they changed all the things they tried but failed and adapted to different things which saved the miners.
Path-Goal Theory
Path-Goal theory proposes that a leader’s way of leading should fit the employees and the working environment present at any given time. Such form of leadership increase employees motivation, increase their satisfaction and feel empowered which in turn increase their responsibility. The leaders of the Chilean mine gave their employee’s hope and communicated to them in a way that they got the reality of the situation as it presented. Urzua acted as an example where he coordinated all efforts from the team members and delegated tasks in a way that all team members felt considered. They also communicated to team members on the tasks that were required to be conducted to make during the rescue process and they were motivated to keep moving. The leadership style used was dependent in the current situation where the leaders gave direction, took charge and monitored the people while creating a room for experimentation and innovation. That indicates that they used path-goal theory in their leadership during the incidence since the team members were free to think, experiment, organize and reflect on what was needed to make the rescue successful.
Communication
The leaders of the rescue team communicated effectively with all stakeholders throughout the whole process. For instance, all team members had chance to give ideas and the more logical idea is selected. Effective communication was also evident where the team communicated to family members and other people who were involved in the situation. Sougarret the president offered hope to the missing miner’s families and the people of Chile coverage were also used and the leaders took great efforts to recruit more stakeholders to make the mission successful. The vision of the group was frequently communicated to the team to make sure that they were on track. All the involved stakeholders were well equipped with information which made them successful in the mission.
When improving communication, I would suggest promotion of boundaries which will increase innovativeness in the team member. Such innovation will give people space so that they can think, reflect and organize their decisions. The president could have limit boundaries between team members and families so that they team could be more creative. At the beginning of the rescue mission, the government could have given links suitable for communication between the emergency officials and the trapped miners. What is more, having an agenda for daily meetings could have improved communication rather than using impromptu meetings.
Situational Approach to Leadership
Situational approach describes the use of different types of leadership depending in the situation. The leaders in this case gave directions where needed, took charge when needed and empowered others as well. For instance, the team comprised of 32 managers who were selected, an indication that the leaders took charge. Brainstorming sessions empowered the team members which allowed them to contribute to the process of saving the miners.
Reflection
As a nursing leader and a teacher, I will give nursing students direction and sometimes have authority over them until they can realize their skills that align with nursing career. I will also give them chance to plan and empower themselves so that they can learn and grow. Understanding the situation at hand will promote my leadership skills.
In conclusion, Chilean mine rescue is an example of hew leaders can use situational leadership skills in case of emergent cases. Communication is important in all cases and should be embraced be leaders for effective leadership. A successful situation requires collaboration of all stakeholders, teamwork and effective leadership.