Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Situational Leadership
Out of all the leadership styles described in chapter 9, the view of leadership that resonates with me most is the situational theory; while the theory that I do not like is trait theory. Trait theory suggests that “leaders are born”, you are born with those skills and that if you are not, then tough luck, you cannot be a leader. I believe that trait definitely does affect our potentials, but of course, it’s always up to our environment and our experiences that can make us a leader as our potential will be fulfilled. The best theory on the other hand, I think is situational theory as it suggest that “appropriate leadership emerges from behavior that is responsive to varied situations” (Eisenberg et. al, 278). It argues that leaders are only good if they can adapt to the situation and use the right style using leadership styles such as selling and delegating.
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I don't agree with the notion that "leaders are born" (I'm assuming you don't agree with this too). I think leaders are made based on their environment and opportunities to lead. Everyone at one point in their life has had the opportunity to lead or faced with a situation to lead by example. In those moments, one shows the leadership capabilities. It is true that in some situations one may feel like they are not qualified to lead based on their inexperience or knowledge. However, individuals should experience a leadership role at one point. There is always a time when someone in a group knows more about something than the others. If this is the case...take the lead!
ReplyDeleteIn the book, the trait theory also points out that physical appearance or attractiveness is seen as a key characteristic to becoming an effective leader. Based on the cultures current beliefs on what is considered attractive, the person with those traits has a better opportunity of becoming a leader than a less attractive person. The example the book gives on the Kennedy-Nixon presidential campaign was highly publicized in regards to the media downplaying Nixon because of his looks. Ironically, Nixon did end up being a poor leader. Go figure!
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