Overly simplistic overview of 10

school of thought on leadership

Bert De Coutere – homocompetens.blogspot.com

Great Man Theory

One day, a great leader will be born, it will be a man and

he will save us all.

Traits theory

Let’s dissect a leader and find the traits great leaders are born with. We can then screen people for these traits.

Behavioral theory

Wait a minute, leaders are not

born. Leaders can be made. Leadership is a social behaviour you can learn. It’s about what leaders

do, not who they are.

Managerial Grid, Role theory

Let’s make boxes and scales of

different

leadership styles. Task oriented or people oriented? Autocratic or participative?

Situational leadership

There is no ‘best’ style, it all

depends on the situation. The times produce the leader not the other way around.

Transactional leadership

Leading is telling. People are

motivated by rewards and

punishments. People need

an authority figure who is in

command. Lead, follow or get out of the way…

Transformational leadership

Leading is selling. We need

leaders who create a vision

and inspire people

to do great things. Transform! Charisma! Enthusiasm!

Functional leadership model

Leadership is a set of behaviours that make

people reach their goal. It’s about action. Task. Team. Individual.

Leadership practises inventory

Hold your horses. Maybe we should ask

followers how they like to be lead. Who do people follow?

21Cleader.com

Who ever said leadership is about one leader and

many followers?

We all lead. Networks subvert hierarchy.

Power to the connected peers!