Modern Theories on Leadership- Just What Makes a Leader

                                                                                                                                          –Alexander The Great

For years, men of great stature have lead, and changed this world for years both positively and negatively, with powerful men such as Alexander the great, Napoleon, and yes even Hitler greatly influencing the modern world with their ideas, dreams, and ambitions. Whether bringing peace, or devastation we entrust our lives to these individuals, in hopes that they will lead us into a stronger, and brighter future. And yet what exactly defines A leader? What makes these men so different from the ordinary people we see everyday. Are some men simply born to lead, or is leadership taught to us through the tutelage of role models.

Many studies and theories have been made over the years on just what makes one lead and another follow. For years early theory’s on leadership focused on quality’s that make up a leader vs quality’s that make up a follower. Many of these theories were based on the the claim that leadership born into us, and that great leaders simply come at random. Now, a majority of modern leadership theories are centered around the levels of skill, as well as the situational adaptability of the individual leading.

There have been many theories on just what makes a leader, lead. But can be generally classified through the following categories:

Great Man Theories:
The main idea behind the great man theories of leadership is that the ability to lead is inherent and that leadership is born not bred. Purposed by historian Thomas Carlyle some argued that great men such as Alexander the Great, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr provided validity for this theory, with great men emerging from what looks like nowhere to lead and influence the world.

Contingency Theories:

Contingency theories claim that the ability to lead is depended on situational factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the favored style of the leader and the behaviors and ability’s of the people following the leader. Contingency theories claim that there is no single style of leadership that is universally effective, and that one style of leadership may work better under particular circumstances than another style of leadership. This meaning that leaders that are effective in one environment may be completely unsuccessful if placed in another environment.

Trait Theories:

Trait theories, similar to great man theories, are based on the assumption that people are born with particular traits that make them better suited to become leaders. Trait theories attempt to identify and compare key personality and behavioral traits that leaders share. A major argument in this theory is the problem of how two individuals with similar personality/ behavioral traits could end up in completely divergent leadership positions. One becoming a great leader while the a follower, or even becoming a failed leader, despite the similarity’s in outward traits.

Situational Theories:

Situational theories are based on the idea that leaders choose the best course of action to take depending upon situational factors. Situational theories claim that leaders should not utilize a single style of leadership but should rather lead according to social/environmental factors such as the capabilities of those who follow, motivation and intelligence of the individual leading and situational and self perception. This among a number of other factors will affect what the leader eventually does.

Participative Theories:

Leadership theories relating to participative theories are based on the notion a great leader, is an individual who takes the input of others into consideration. This type of leadership encourages participation and contribution of its followers which in turn engages and commits. A good example of this is Martin Luther King Jr, who encouraged and lead his fellow African Americans in a time of great sorrow, through protest, and non-violence.

Behavioral Theories:

In contrast to the great man theories, behavioral leadership focuses on nurture over nature. That leaders are made, not born. Leadership according to this theory, is a behavior that is learned through observation and tutelage.

With 100’s of other theories it really does stump the mind on just what truly defines a leader. Is it set in stone at birth? Or defined through a life of experiences. Leadership brings to mind many philosophical question as well. Does absolute power corrupt, should the power of the people truly be held by a single individual or group. Though despite questions such as these leadership is indeed necessary, whether it comes to managing a grocery store or taking command of a military force. All those who live in a social environment must in one way or another lead and follow.

What do you think makes a great leader. Is it defined at birth, or taught to us by our parents? I’d love to know! Leave a comment!

Hope you guys enjoyed this brief intro into the psychology of leadership.

Sources/ Additional information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Leadership
http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-be-a-leader-people-want-to-follow-2014-10