In what situations would an ‘Assigned leader’ will be most effective for helping a group solve a

problem? In what situations, would an ‘Emergent leader’ will be most effective. Give reasons in
support of your answer.

Elon Musk and the 2018 SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew Dragon Demo-1 Mission:

The Problem: SpaceX, despite its growing success in cargo missions, hadn't yet achieved the
ambitious goal of sending humans to space. The company faced immense pressure to prove its Crew
Dragon capsule could safely transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
This mission, Demo-1, was an unprecedented venture for SpaceX, holding the weight of NASA's
astronaut safety and the future of the company's human spaceflight program.

Elon Musk's Assigned Leadership:

Setting audacious goals and building a culture of innovation: Elon Musk's bold vision and
unrelenting drive fostered a culture within SpaceX that encouraged exploration, risk-taking, and
embracing ambitious challenges.

Strategic decision-making and resource allocation: Musk actively participated in strategic planning
for the mission, making crucial decisions on technology development, resource allocation, and risk
mitigation strategies. He balanced long-term vision with practical considerations, ensuring the
mission adhered to safety regulations while pushing the boundaries of spaceflight technology.

Empowering and motivating the team: He instilled a sense of purpose and ownership within the
SpaceX team. He communicated openly and transparently with engineers and technicians, ensuring
everyone understood the mission's importance and their individual roles in its success. His charisma
and enthusiasm kept the team motivated throughout the challenging development and testing
phases. His charisma and enthusiasm kept the team motivated throughout the challenging
development and testing phases.

Adapting to unexpected challenges: During the mission, a pre-launch abort test triggered an engine
anomaly, raising alarm bells. He demonstrated decisive leadership, quickly evaluating the situation
and authorizing a launch delay to ensure the safety of the capsule and its dummy passenger. This
decision ultimately proved crucial, paving the way for a successful mission in the following attempt.

Outcome: The Demo-1 mission was a resounding success. The Crew Dragon capsule autonomously
docked with the ISS, marking a pivotal moment for SpaceX and paving the way for the company's first
crewed astronaut missions in 2020.

Emergent Leader

Nandita Venkatesan: A tuberculosis survivor who defied societal stigma and established "Dhiraj
Prajapati Foundation" to support TB patients and their families. She was featured in TIME's 2023
Next list.

1. Absent or inadequate response to a critical issue: Tuberculosis, especially in marginalized

communities, often faces neglect and inadequate healthcare access. Existing systems might lack the
sensitivity, resources, or reach to effectively support patients and their families.

2. Need for advocacy and community mobilization: TB, along with the associated stigma, can be
isolating and disempowering for patients. An emergent leader like Nandita could step up to provide a
voice for the community, challenge stigma, and advocate for better healthcare access and support
systems.
3. Opportunity for innovation and grassroots solutions: Existing solutions might not fully address
the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities. A leader like Nandita, with her lived
experience and understanding of the local context, can develop innovative and culturally relevant
solutions that resonate with the community.

4. Need for a leader who inspires and builds trust: Overcoming stigma and mobilizing a community
often requires a leader who can connect with people on a personal level, build trust, and inspire
hope. Nandita's own experience as a TB survivor allowed her to empathize with and empower others
in similar situations.

Strong sense of purpose and social responsibility: She was driven by a desire to contribute to a
better future for the communities and country.

Effective communication and collaboration skills: She was able to inspire others, and work
effectively with diverse groups.

Resilience and adaptability: In spite of several uncertainties and problems, she was able to tackle all
the problems.

Nandita's story shows how emergent leaders often rise in situations where the earlier used
structures fail to adequately address the needs of marginalized communities. They bring fresh
perspectives, lived experience, and innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges and inspire
positive change.