Leadership Theory

Nobody actually artciulates about leadership theory, since the common believe is that leadership is a series traits or skills that people possess. You would often hear that those who could do it, will do and others just articulate. Whereas, in reality something else happens. We need to know about leadership theory that is more about how this concept evolved throughout the history to be able to psychologically help people who you manage or lead, if you are in a position of leadership yourself.

Trait Era

In the 19th century, research on leadership primarily focused on the inherent qualities of leaders and identifying the traits that made them effective. The Great Man theory suggested that leaders are born with unique characteristics, citing historical figures like Julius Caesar and Mahatma Gandhi as examples. This idea evolved into trait theories, which argued that leadership traits could be either inherited or developed through training. However, by the 1950s, it became apparent that identifying a consistent set of traits was difficult, leading to the abandonment of this approach. Today, psychometric tools based on trait theory principles are commonly used in areas like staff recruitment for assessing key personality traits and aiding in personal and team development.

Behaviour Era

Behavioral theory, emerging from trait theories, posits that leaders are primarily made rather than born, suggesting that specific behaviors can be learned to ensure effective leadership. It focuses on the actions of leaders rather than their inherent traits, though it tends to overlook the influence of the leader’s situation and environment. Research in this field led to the identification of various behavior patterns, categorized as styles. This approach, popularized by models like Blake and Mouton’s Managerial Grid, became a cornerstone of management training. Today, this theory is reflected in numerous leadership training programs aimed at developing leadership skills and behaviors, reinforcing the idea that leadership is largely a learned skill.

Environmental Era

The recognition of the significant role played by the environment in the leader-follower dynamic led to the dominance of the situational era in leadership studies. Unlike earlier theories focusing on traits or behaviors, the situational era emphasizes leadership within specific contexts. This perspective suggests that leaders need to assess their operating environment and adapt their style accordingly. Known as the contingency theory of leadership, it acknowledges that the most effective leadership style depends on the situation.

Fred Fiedler’s contingency theory is among the pioneering models in this era. It underscores the importance of context in effective leadership and argues against a one-size-fits-all approach. Fiedler contends that because a leader’s style is inherent and fixed, they should be placed in situations that align with their style for optimal effectiveness. Thus, leadership effectiveness is determined by how well the leader’s style matches the given context.

New Leadership Era

Recognizing the limitations of focusing solely on one aspect of leadership, a shift occurred towards new leadership theories capable of addressing the complexity of modern challenges. In a world marked by rapid change, disruptive technological innovation, and increasing globalization, traditional theories that viewed leadership as a one-way, top-down influence process became inadequate. The emergence of the new leadership era marked a departure from these traditional perspectives, emphasizing the intricate interactions among leaders, followers, the situation, and the broader system. This approach highlights the latent leadership capacities of followers and acknowledges leadership as a multifaceted and dynamic phenomenon.

Conclusions

As each evolution demonstrates, the trend is toward viewing leadership as a quality that can be acquired rather than inherited. This means individuals can set aside doubts and uncertainties and actively develop their leadership abilities. With more leaders within an organization, greater success can be anticipated for that organization in the future.