Daley Scott |
During class on August 31, we reviewed the evolution of leadership theories. In your own words, what is the value of understanding leadership theories? Which 2-3 leadership theories resonated most with you and why? How will your understanding of leadership theories influence the way in which you lead?
I think it is important to understand and really know leadership theories because great leaders can study the pros and cons of all the different theories. Leaders would be able to shape their style of leadership based on which ideas and theories they liked and which ones have worked in the past. This means they could also stay away from the parts of the leadership theories that have not worked in the past or parts that they do not like. Studying great past leaders and leadership theories would only make a current leader better at their job. Although there are so many great leadership theories, three that really resonate with me the most are trait leadership, situational contingency leadership, and authentic leadership approach. The book explains that trait leadership is categorized as, “certain individuals possess a natural ability to lead.” I believe this to be true because some people are born with certain traits that make them better leaders than others. I also believe in situational contingency leadership because certain situations call for different types of leaders or leadership. Sometimes the situation needs a very harsh and strict leader who will take change and make things happen, but other times a group of people might need a caring leader who is more of a friend than authoritative figure. Leaders can accomplish this by changing their style of leadership for a certain time or there is a new leader that emerges that possess the certain characteristics. Most of all, I believe in authentic leadership. I believe that a leader has to do what they believe is the best and be authentically themselves in order to let their “followers” to want to follow them. It is way easier to want to follow somebody that is genuinely authentic rather than closed, guarded, and superficial. I think that by combining all these theories would make somebody a great leader. I hope that all of these theories will come together when I lead something and influence the way in which I lead.
1 Comment
Erin
9/16/2015 09:47:53 am
Thanks for your comments, Daley (and for figuring out how to create a blog on your learning portfolio!). You did a nice job summarizing three of the leadership theories that resonated with you. Knowing that you subscribe most closely to authentic leadership, how will you develop yourself as an authentic leader? What does authenticity look like in practice? How can you demonstrate that you are authentic in appointed leadership roles and through your life as you try to uphold the ideals of a leader on a daily basis?
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AuthorThis is my working blog that has posts being submitted for the Exploring Leadership Honors Seminar I am taking during the Fall 2015 Semester at the University of Cincinnati. Archives
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