Leadership theories seek to explain how and why certain people become leaders.
In other words, these theories proposed that certain people were simply “born leaders.”
What exactly makes a great leader?
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century.
While many different leadership theories have emerged, most can be classified as one of eight major types.
“Great Man” Theories
Have you ever heard someone described as “born to lead?”
Great man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherentthat great leaders are born, not made.
These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic, and destined to rise to leadership when needed.
Such theories suggest that people cannot really learn how to become strong leaders.
Leadership is either something you are born with or born without.
This is very much a nature (as opposed to nurture) approach to explaining leadership.
Trait theories often identify a particular personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders.
This question is one of the difficulties in using trait theories to explain leadership.
According to this theory, noleadership styleis best in all situations.
Situational Theories
Situational theories propose that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variables.
Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making.
In other instances where group members are skilled experts, ademocratic stylewould be more effective.
Consider this the flip side of the Great Man theories.
According to this theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.
In participative theories, however, the leader retains the right to allow the input of others.
These theories base leadership on a system of rewards and punishments.
Transformational leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task.
Leaders with this style often have high ethical and moral standards.
What Kind of Leader Are You?
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