Leadership Styles & Theories

There is never a ready formula for a leader. As someone has said, some leaders are born and some are made by their choices, efforts, and dedication. ‘How to be a leader?’, is the most asked and most unanswered question. For decades, leadership theories have been the source of numerous studies. Many have tried to decode the theory of leaders, which makes them stand apart from the mass. The theories of leadership often focus on the qualities of leaders, but some attempt to identify the behaviors that people can adapt to improve their own leadership abilities in different situations.

With the increase in interest towards leadership aspects, a number of different theories have been initiated to elaborate exactly how and why certain people become great leaders. What is that one thing that makes great leaders? Do certain personality attributes make people better equipped for leadership roles, or do characteristics of the situation make it more likely that certain people will take charge?

Some theories are as follows:

Great Man Theory: We usually hear leaders described as ‘born to lead’. According to this point of view, great leaders are simply born with the qualities and attribute that result in being a natural leader. The Great Man theory evolved around the mid-19th century. In 1860, an English philosopher debated the great man theory by proclaiming that these heroes are simply the product of their times and their actions on the results of social conditions.

2. Trait Theories: This theory believes that people are either born or are made with certain qualities that will make them excel in leadership roles. The qualities of intelligence, sense of responsibility, creativity, and other values puts anyone in the shoes of a good leader. There are plenty of people who possess the personality traits associated with leadership, yet many of these people never seek out positions of leadership. This is the main drawback associated with a particular theory.

3. Contingency Theories: It focuses on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. The theory argues that there is no single way of leading. There are certain people who perform at the maximum level in certain places, in order to lead the mass. It is generally accepted within the contingency theories that leader are more likely to express their leadership when they feel that their followers will be responsive.

4. Transformational Theories: This theory states that leadership is the process by which a person engages with others. In such cases, he/she is able to create a connection that results in increased motivation and morality in both followers and leaders. The key to transformational leadership is for the leader to be attentive to the needs and motives of followers in an attempt to help them reach their maximum potential. In addition, transformational leadership typically describes how leaders can initiate, develop, and implement important changes in an organization.

SELF REFLECTION EXERCISE

Recall and share one of your leadership experiences (with family/ friends/ school/ college) and which leadership style you incorporated?

Although I may not consider myself a shy person , I was never the type to step out of my comfort zone. Till tenth standard I had my mind set thinking that I would be the type of student who woke up for school , left and then came back when it was time to. I never thought I would join any particular club or sign up for any extra curricular activity. In that moment it never seemed like my thing.

My school teachers also knew that I was a very introvert person . In eleventh standard , My class teacher gave me the job to manage an event for my school to boost my confidence maybe and I'm surprised that it really worked! For the first time in my life I had to lead a group of 45 students and I gave it my all. I saw this as an opportunity to prove myself and to change myself for the better. It was an opportunity to show everyone that I was more than a bookworm.

This particular event literally changed my life and I'll be forever grateful to my class teacher who saw my potential and gave me this chance to come out of my comfort zone. Now I can easily manage events , work with any team and guide others with my experiences. My communication skills and my people skills were also developed during that event and I absolutely love this new version of myself! I'm constantly working to get better every day.