Great man? Great relationships or great match to the situation? Nice blog post on leadership theories here. Often think these are lens which people see through without being aware there’s a lens at all. As Ken Wilber put it, “we all have maps, some of them are just pretty shitty.” Integration Training’s own take on embodied approach to leadership is here.
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Leadership Theories
The Great Man Theories:
This theory assumes that leadership is hardwired, in other words people are born leaders rather than created. This theory portrays leadership primarily as a male quality.
Trait Theories:
This theory has some ideas similar to those of the Great Man theory. Trait theory states that certain traits and qualities that make a better leader are inherited. This theory has one major flaw it can’t explain why some people have the qualities defined as leadership qualities but are not leaders; also it assumes that leadership runs in the family so what about the leaders from a family where none of the family members are leaders.
Contingency Theories:
This theory focuses on environmental variables that determine what leadership style best suits the situation. It would seem that this is the most logical theory as it recognises that there is no single leadership style best suits a situation.
Situational Theories:
According to this theory leaders base their decisions on situational variables. Different styles of
leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making. This theory appears to be similar to the above theories.
The Behavioural Theory:
This theory claims that leaders are created rather than it being innate qualities. In other words this theory is based on the actions of the individual rather than mental qualities or internal states. Behaviourists argue that people become leaders through teachings and observation.
The Participative Theory:
The participative theory suggests the best leadership style is one which considers the input of others. Leaders that fit into this category encourage contribution from their group thus making others feel relevant and involved decision-making processes.
Management Theory:This theory is also known as the “Transactional theory” see the leaders role as one of supervision, organization, and optimising group performance. This theory sees the basis of leadership as one of reward and punishment. This is often the most common type of leadership found in business.
Management Theory:This theory is also known as the “Transactional theory” see the leaders role as one of supervision, organization, and optimising group performance. This theory sees the basis of leadership as one of reward and punishment. This is often the most common type of leadership found in business.
Relationship Theory:
Also called the “Transformational theory” concentrates on the bonds between leaders and their followers. These leader often have high moral and ethical standards; they motivate or inspire people, they are very focused on the groups performance and want everyone to reach their full potential. A good example of this type of leader would be religious leaders such as priests.
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Leadership So What: The view you have of what leadership is will dramatically effect how you lead and follow.