Guide to Leadership Theory

Leadership theories follow the principle that leaders are made, not born. By following the principles outlined by theories of leadership, you can strengthen your ability to lead your team, and choose a business leadership theory tailored not only to your personality, but to your corporate culture and the dynamics of your staff. You can also call on different leadership theories for different situations, increasing your adaptability to changing situations.

Leadership theorists have identified what makes an effective leader and what leadership styles work best in certain situations. Some of the most well-known theories of leadership are:

1. Situational leadership theory
2. Transactional leadership
3. Transformational leadership
4. Trait theory of leadership
5. Great events theory of leadership
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the right leadership theory for you

There's a theory of leadership suited to every personality, situation and corporate culture. Understanding popular business leadership theories, such as situational leadership theory, transformation theory and transactional theory, helps you determine which is suited to your needs. Then, you can begin developing your leadership skills.

I recommend: Take a Leadership Seminar through the American Management Association to get the basics of leadership theory. Check out Mindtools' Career Coaching or take their How to Lead self-study program.

Choose a theory of leadership by assessing your current leadership style

Knowing how you currently lead can help you determine strengths and weaknesses in your leadership style, and what practices you should keep or discard. It can help you determine which style is best suited to your personality, and if your personality is naturally inclined toward leadership. By looking to leadership theorists, you can also learn what motivates you to lead. Is it a desire to effect significant change, or an interest in leading your staff toward achieving their highest potential?

I recommend: Identify your instinctive leadership style with the web-based test at Your Leadership Legacy, and determine whether you're a natural leader through the Leadership Self Test at Schuler Solutions.  

Learn about leadership and management theory through a seminar, course or workshop

Books and websites are a great way to get started learning about business leadership theories, but for more intensive training, you may want to consider a seminar or workshop. You can learn directly from leadership experts, and you can bring the training to your company, helping strengthen the skills of your current leaders, and develop the skills of your potential leaders.

I recommend: Legacee offers training in transformational leadership, and OptimalThinking offers leadership workshops for executives, small business owners or entrepreneurs, and employees who want to develop their leadership potential.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Effective leadership requires the trust of those you lead. In addition to learning how to inspire or manage your employees, also focus on your communication skills. Your staff needs to understand how you lead and what is expected of them, or they won't feel valued and involved. By sharing with them your vision and strategy's future, you can enlist them as willing and enthusiastic participants in your mission.

The official source of Leadership Theory is the Leadership Theory page at Business.com