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FORMULATING LEADERSHIP

Leadership Theory Worksheet

Carmen DeFabrizio

LDR/300

July 24, 2017

Cary Peterson
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Introduction

Leadership Theory Worksheet

Trait Leadership Theory:

Explanation: The trait theory of leadership focuses on identifying different personality traits
and characteristics that are linked to successful leadership across a variety of situations. This
theory focuses on the belief that people are either born with or are made with certain qualities
that will make them better in a leadership role. This type of leadership focuses on analyzing
mental, physical and social characteristic of a leader.
Example of use in the real world: I think about when my daughter was in Girl Scouts and how
they taught the young girls that possessing good citizenship traits (trustworthy, loyal, helpful,
friendly, courteous and kind) towards others is important in life. Many companies claim that
the best kind of leadership programs will teach employees how to treat each other with respect
to alleviate stress in the workplace. (Leadership Central, 2016).

Behavioral Leadership Theory:

Explanation: This theory focuses mainly on the behaviors of the leaders and not their traits or
characteristics. This approach emphasizes that strong leadership is the result of effective role
behavior. This leadership theory is also based on their behavior changes during their
interaction with the employees. Behavioral theory suggests that leadership requires a strong
personality with a well-developed positive ego; self-confidence is essential.
Example of use in the real world: When a manager or leader who motivates desired behavior
by scolding employees who are to late to work and showing appreciation to those employees
who are early or on time.

Situational Leadership Theory:

Explanation: This leadership approach attempts to find the best leadership style in all
situations. This theory suggests that no single leadership style is best. It is dependent on the
situation in which the type of leadership and strategies are best-suited to the task. Managers
and leaders need to adopt different leadership styles according to the particular situation they
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are facing. If a leadership style is not ideal for the situation then the situation must change to
match the leadership style.

Example of use in the real world: If you look at the numerous sports teams then you can easily
apply the situational leadership principles. Sports team rosters are constantly changing due to
high turnover of players and everyone in the organization has to learn to adapt to the situation
at hand and still be successful.

Contemporary Leadership Theory:

Explanation: Contemporary leadership theories attempt to determine how effective leaders
interact with, inspire, and support followers. Under this theory there are different types of
leaders: Visionary, charismatic, transformational and transactional. Each of these leadership
styles has their own way of leading but their main focus is on behavior.
Example of use in the real world: Inspiring others through visions and ideas are the leading
attributes in the theory. Maestros orchestrate symphonies and charismatic project mangers
direct the talents of employees with words and actions of encouragement.

References

Chemers, M. (2014). An Integrative Theory of Leadership. New York, New York: Psychology

Press.

Leadership - Central. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.leadership-central.com/leadership-

theories.html#axzz4K00IcXaK

Lussier, R., & Achua, C. (2016). Leadership: Theory, Application, & Skill Development (6th

ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.