Leadership: Home Depot

Introduction

The Home Depot board chose Robert Nardelli, former GE executive, because they wanted a seasoned manager with expertise to drive continued growth of a company that was considered a giant business (Charan, 2006). Robert Nardelli was introduced to Home Depot in 2000 but resigned in 2007, which was a mutual decision between the board and Nardelli. At this particular time, the board felt that Nardelli was the right person because Home Depot was a maturing company and there was less of focus on the cost side of the equation (Kavilanz, 2007). According to Nardelli, changing the company culture would be central to getting the company where it needed to go. Nardelli’s leadership style can be described as being neurotic, job-centered, initiating, and task oriented.

Trait Theory

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a one trait-based theory, suggests that although certain character traits may be innate, leaders can be developed through experience and learning. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator measures introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuitive, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving personality characteristics in individuals. Robert Nardellie illustrated a neurotic trait, which is a person's tendency to become or not become upset or emotional and his or her ability to deal with stress in general. Nardelli neglected an emotional appeal to his situation. Instead, he focused more on accomplishing tasks by using different methods and tools.

Behavioral Theories

The behavioral theories are based on a series of new leadership research initiatives in the United States, which includes the University of Michigan study, the Ohio State studies, the Leadership Grid, and Scandinavian Development-Oriented Approach. The University of Michigan study suggests that two leadership styles exist: job-centered and employee-centered. Job-centered behaviors occur when managers focus attention on the job and related work behaviors. Leaders concentrate on technical aspects...