Theories of Leadership

Questions: 1. Think of a leadership situation with which you are familiar. Apply each of the theories of the leader, followers, and situation. Which theory best fits the interaction of the leader, followers, and situation in the example? 2. Does any theory allow you to predict a likely or preferred outcome for a current challenge? Answers: Introduction An efficient and effective leader is the individual who is followed and admired by the others. But besides that, the leader is the person who should have a great knowledge of the human nature, and should be able to guide and direct people, thereby reducing doubts and problems existing in the group about succeeding or completing the task. In every individuals life, there comes a time when he/she has to act as a leader for handling the situation. Though every situation taught me something valuable, there is one leadership situation, where various theories of the leadership, followers, and the situation was applicable (Allio, 2012). Theories of the leadership There are four different theories related to the leadership, followers, and the situation, which are normative decision model, the situational leadership model, the contingency model, and the path-goal theory. All the four above mentioned theories or models are similar in the aspect that they all focuses on the necessity of the contingent behavior shown by the leader with respect to the followers and the situation to improve the effectiveness of the leadership (Pinnington, 2011). The situation where I acted as a leader was during the organization of the social event in my community. As this social event included all the age group individuals, from children to the elderly, it required a lot of effort. At every second point, the thoughts and ideas of the different age groups differed causing a kind of chaos during the decision-making process. Hence, at that time, my only focus was to carry out the decision-making process in the most calm way and moreover, the decisions should be made in accordance with the agreement of all the community members and should satisfy each and every individual presents at that time. The theory that fits appropriately in this case for the interaction of the leaders, followers, and the situation is the situational leadership model. As a situational leadership model focuses on the adjustment of the leadership style to fit the level of all the followers and to influence them. Hence, this style would help me to analyze the perspective of each age group individuals and hence, will help me to manage the situation accordingly that will satisfy and work according to the perspective of each member. Further, this model will drive the behavior change effectively and hence will meet the desired results in conducting the social event by using the measure of communicating with all the members through a common, as well as, practical language of leadership (Manepatil, 2013). Conclusion As per the situational model of the leadership, it is possible to achieve the preferred outcome in the current challenge. Because, the situational leadership model is associated with the various tools that helps in influencing the followers and changes in the behavior by understanding the level of the followers ability, as well as, motivation. The result of the situational leadership model is targeted, dynamic, and sustainable that helps in achieving the desired change in the outcome of the situation. Moreover, it utilizes the specificity to the task that serves as the mechanism with the help of which the leaders can maximize the influence associated impact on the followers (Carew, Parisi-Carew, Blanchard, 2008). References Allio, R. (2012). Leaders and leadership many theories, but what advice is reliable?.Strategy Leadership,41(1), 4-14. Carew, D., Parisi-Carew, E., Blanchard, K. (2008). Group Development and Situational Leadership: A Model for Managing Groups.IEEE Engineering Management Review,36(1), 28-28. MANEPATIL, U. (2013). SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP MODEL.ROR,II(VI), 1-4. Pinnington, A. (2011). Leadership development: Applying the same leadership theories and development practices to different contexts?.Leadership,7(3), 335-365.