Michael Frazier 4-10-14Four frames of reference-Unit 3In the four frames of reference approach, Bolman and Deal (1991) explain that the characteristics of a leader are understood through the recognition of certain behaviors that comprise four leadership frameworks: structural, human resources, political or symbolic. These four frameworks are understood by good leaders. However, according to the authors, each leadership framework should be employed based on the circumstances in which the leader finds himself. Depending on the leadership situation, the leader will apply the principles of one of the four frameworks to maximize his or her leadership strategy. The framework is employed by the leader who considers himself an architect of social structures. Through careful analysis of the design and structure of the social environment, he will find ways to maximize the group's capabilities. In a structural leadership framework individuals adapt to their surroundings by maximizing their special or unique abilities through collaborative effort with others in their hierarchical level. The HR leadership framework allows the leader to take on the role of a supportive mentor. This supportive leader advocates for the group to discover solutions to particular problems on their own, using their own talents, in a sense this type of leadership allows for greater empowerment of the group to get a job done. Political framework leadership skills require personality traits common to political style archetypes. For example, this type of leadership strategy requires an assessment of the distribution of power of various groups, furthermore this knowledge allows the leader to adequately mediate meetings between various groups...... middle of paper...... mely the people who make the organization. Furthermore, groups must be organized into members of the same hierarchy and must devote their group mental efforts to solving a problem unique to the organization. Leaders who adhere to this leadership framework should be wary of individuals in groups who deviate from group goals to pursue individual goals, as this is the major contributor to inefficiency in this particular type of framework. Although some scholars believe that this structural framework is overused by those who teach others pursuing higher levels of learning, it can be very effective when used to bring a group of people together in a unified, focused way of thinking for the purpose of solving a problem complex. .Reframing Organizations by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal5th edition, Josey, Bass Publishers, Hoboken, NJ, 07030.