Ldr 300 Leadership Theories

Leadership Theories

Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx

LDR/300

January 30, 2017

Dr. Walker

Leadership Theories

There are as many theories on leadership as there are philosophers, scholars, and practitioners; let alone the many different definitions of leadership itself.  This is not considering why there is leadership in the first place.  Suffice it to say, leadership and its inherent hierarchy have been around since the dawn of man.  Leadership has allowed us to evolve and accomplish unimaginable things as a specie and society of people.  While there are numerous theories and approaches to leadership, a few have been most widely and generally accepted.  A few of those theories are the Trait Leadership, Behavioral Leadership, Contingency Leadership, Skills Leadership and Situational Leadership.

Trait Leadership

        In the early 20th century, one of the first structured approaches to develop theory on leadership began to take shape, Trait Leadership.  Trait Leadership focused on the leader and the traits of the leader.  Scholars studied great leaders of the time in the military, political leaders, and social leaders.  The focus was on their unique characteristics and qualities.  It was believed that leaders were born with these traits and that leaders could not necessarily be learned.  At the same time, traits of followers were identified which often left many without options but to follow.  “The historical context and social structures of the period further reinforced such beliefs by providing limited opportunities for common people to become social, political, and industrial leaders.” (Nahavandi 2014, p. 65).  

Trait Theory was fundamentally flawed and destined to be replaced with advanced knowledge in the area of leadership.  However, some of the traits identified in leaders were one that is gregarious, assertive, confident, and decisive to name a few.  Although, these traits alone did not mean one would be a good leader.  To this point, we have all probably at one time or another experienced a leader that appeared to fit the profile of a leader, but was simply ineffective.  These [ineffective] leaders often lack key interpersonal or tactical skills.  As the needs of leaders grew through the years, so did the need for new ways to develop leaders.  The supply of effective trait leaders did not meet the demand nor did they deliver on needed results.  

The Trait Era left much to be desired for when it came to the advancement of leadership.  The fundamental theory was solely focused on the leader without consideration to the followers or the relationship therein.  Beyond this short sightedness is the fact that leaders exist for the purpose of leading and supporting people.  The limited view of all things considered, left the door wide open for new and more sophisticated ways of evaluating and expanding on leadership.  This stifled approach to leadership left the growing needs of business organizations, social governments, and the military, to name a few, looking for new opportunities.  Fortunately, need drives ingenuity and creativity.  Subsequent years would bring new philosophies and approaches to leadership that would add to the foundation of ongoing learning in leadership.