Through self-reflection and academic readings, I have discovered that I identify with three different leadership theories. During the first meeting in a Strength Based Leadership class, we were asked to write our leadership history. The class then began an ongoing exploration of various leadership theories. Upon reviewing my leadership history from the first class and synthesizing the information from the theories that were examined, I discovered that I most resonate with the Trait Leadership Theory, the Skills Leadership Theory, and the Path-Goal Leadership theory. These theories are leader focused, describing the process and techniques a leader uses to accomplish goals. This paper will examine the three leadership theories, identify how they apply to my practice, and explore how these theories interact with each other. The Trait Leadership Theory is based on the belief that a person is born with special traits contributing to natural leadership abilities. Studies of famous historical leaders have been used to identify various traits for this theory. Although the list of traits differs from study to study, there are five major traits that are consistent throughout most studies. These traits are intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability. I recognize all of these traits within myself. Between my leadership history and my strengths, which were identified from the StrengthsFinder Inventory that I completed this past year, I realize that I
Trait theory states that leaders are born, and they are not made. Everyone has the personality that can give them leadership positions. With the right condition, anyone can be a good leader (Colbert, et al.
Above all, I believe that the two most important assets of a leader are sound vision and impenetrable integrity. I hold all leaders, including myself to the highest standards with respect to these two
Those individuals who were believed to have these inherent skills were people of very influential status, wartime heroes and those of great wealth. The people who emerge or are most picked to lead have distinctive drives and character profiles (Nicholson, 2013, p.16). Leadership Thought Development from 1900 – 1970 The thought of leadership evolved from the Great Man Theory to Trait Theory and Behavior Theory. The trait theory focuses on identifying distinctive personality traits and characteristics that are associated to successful leadership.
Critical Review of Leadership Theories There have been a variety of theorists who have tried to understand how good leaders acquire their skills and whether the components which make up a successful leader are hereditary or learned. Many Studies have been made using twins to identify that about forty percent of differences in personality are hereditary. (Vernon et al., 1998) From this we can see that it is not only a matter of whether a person in born with these skills but one must also build on them to become a successful leader.
From the mainstream perspective, he has shown different types of leadership. It also includes several theories like trait, skill, behavior, contingency and transformational. Trait theory states that the personality of a person would determine if he or she will be able to lead. In case of Steve Jobs, his personality was radiant and flamboyant. He was confident, committed and charismatic to take any leap or risk with the support of his team and customers to pursue his aspiration (Katzenbach, 2012).
In this regard, leaders and managers can appear at any level of an organisation and are not exclusive of each other (Germano, 2010). Leadership theories identify leaders based upon traits as well as how their influence and power is used to achieve organizational goals and objectives (Germano, 2010). As such, trait based characteristics include leaders such as autocratic, democratic, bureaucratic and charismatic. On the other hand, leadership that is viewed from the perspective of the exchange of power and its utilisation to secure outcomes, are situational, transactional and transformational leaders (Germano, 2010). It is of paramount importance to consider the different types of theories of management and leadership and their potential impact on organizational strategy being that management and leadership plays a vital role in the success of businesses.
Individual Reflective Paper Introduction Leadership, a controversial concept, has been studied for centuries. Scholars who study leadership have argued with the insight of leadership for many decades and finally promote a wide range of understandings of it. This course “values and leadership” introduces the basic principles and concepts about leadership, and provides us with some conceptual knowledge and practical approaches to be an outstanding leaders. I chose to take this course because I am interested in the topic about leadership.
Introduction- The leadership and management are two important pillars of modern day business. “You manage things; you lead people” Grace Hopper (retired Admiral, U.S. Navy). On one hand managers, not only motivate people but they also set the course of direction and organize to achieve the targets.
Different scholars identified various kinds of leadership styles that affect the job performance, satisfaction and learning and development of subordinates. Warrick, D.D (1981) cited that there are no doubt variables other than a leader’s style that affect employee performance and development but leadership style plays a significant role and not to be underestimated. An awareness of leadership styles and their consequences are very important because it may either facilitate or inhabit skill development. The major theories on leadership are the traits, leadership styles and contingency theories.
Nice discussion post this week! You start off with a great definition of what leadership is. To me, it is hard to define what leadership is, especially in one sentence, but I agree with you that leadership is the action of leading others or an organization. I feel like it is when someone steps up and goes into the unknown as well. It is also important to mention that it is never just one single person.
This paper is going to encompass different leadership theories and their relevance to my own personal personality and method of leadership. There will be information on the advantages and disadvantages of the leadership theories and information on each including examples. The purpose of this paper is to view various kinds of leadership theories and apply them to a real-life scenario. Leadership Theories There are quite a few different leadership theories available for people to take information from and use in business settings and even personal settings.
If the behavior theory can identify the key determinants of leadership, people can actually train to become a leader. This is the premise of the management development plan. There are many different types of behavioural leadership styles. Each style suggests that the leadership role is based on the leaders’ concern for the people being led and the level of achievement that needs to be
Q1. Describe the five key elements of leadership The five keys of elements of leadership are leader-follower, influencing, organizational objective, changes and people. Each of elements works differently, the first key world leader-follower is leaders influence a behavior to the followers as well as follower also influence leaders. Second, Influencing is change role from somebody.
Over the last few weeks, leadership class has succeeded in getting me to think deeply about my life, who I really am and who I hope to be. This is good because it helps me put proper measures in place that will help me accomplish those goals. A servant leader, as we have discussed in class is one who is servant-first. His main aim is to serve his people and do what is best for the people around him, whether he is in a leadership position or not.
In theory leadership is focused on the personal qualities and traits of a person. Trait theory is based on the model of the Big Five personaliti. For an example, Extraversion is one of the characteristics of the most common and most important in the way leaders to ensure their effective leadership. Next, we can distinguish between effective leader and ineffective.