Leadership Case

Leadership

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

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April 3, 2009

Leadership

Leadership is a concept many people think they understand instinctively, however, over time numerous definitions, concept and theories have been offered of leadership. Many of the theories have been developed to explain why leadership is important, what elements make up leadership and how leadership can be most effective. However, not one specific definition or concept accurately depicts the best use of leadership in all instances. As such the concepts of the future direction of leadership have yet to be determined. How will these concepts develop? What styles and skills of leadership will leaders of organizations and nations require as time advances?

To answer these questions all aspects of past and present concepts, styles and theories of leadership must be examined. Indeed, the concept of leadership has been given special attention by numerous writers and academics that seem to see special qualities that define the leadership styles that leaders of tomorrow might pursue to become better leaders. A number of definitions and theories will be considered, along with their ramifications, as well as ways in which leadership has manifested in different settings. Additionally the styles and concepts of the leaders of the past and present will be examined to determine their failures and successes.

Hollywood has entrenched into culture, the images of Spartacus leading the slaves to revolt against Rome and William Wallace leading the Scottish against the English. They were heroes who led their men from the depths of oppression to the height of victory. These movies dramatize leadership to create the image of the hero. These dramatizations have helped give an underlying cultural concept to leadership.

Early research pointed towards leadership having something to do with breeding and inherited traits. The leaders of the time were primarily from aristocracy, which did not leave many opportunities for the lower classes to lead. This concept led to the idea of the Great Man. The Great Man had mythic qualities and would arise during times of need to lead the masses. Stories of Jesus, Moses, Mohammed and the Buddha are examples of this.

More recently Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill arose to become influential in the conclusion of World War II and returning their nations to glory after war and economic depression ravaged their countries. Their success gave credence to the concept of the Great Man theory and the Traits approach.

Research into the leader traits examined the physical, mental, and social characteristics of individuals. Empirical research was done on personality