6 Leadership Theories for Career Growth

• Coach: Recognizes strengths and weaknesses, helps people set goals and provides a lot of feedback.
• Visionary: Manages through inspiration and confidence.
• Servant: Focuses on helping team members feel fulfilled.
• Autocratic or authoritarian: Makes decisions with little or no input from others.
• Laissez-faire or hands-off: Delegates tasks and provides little supervision.
• Democratic: Considers the opinions of others before making a decision.
• Pacesetter: Sets high standards and focuses on performance.
• Bureaucratic: Follows a strict hierarchy and expects team members to follow procedure.

Six main leadership theories

The great man theory of leadership states that excellent leaders are born, not developed. A popular concept in the 19th century, this theory states that leadership is an inherent quality. This type of leader often possesses the natural attributes of intelligence, courage, confidence, intuition and charm, among others.

The trait theory of leadership states that certain natural qualities tend to create good leaders. Having certain qualities does not necessarily mean someone has strong leadership skills, however. Some leaders may be excellent listeners or communicators, but not every listener or communicator makes an excellent leader.

The behavioral theory of leadership focuses on how a person’s environment, not natural abilities, forms him or her into a leader. One of the key concepts of behavioral theory is conditioning. Conditioning states that a person will be more likely to act or lead in a certain style as a result of environmental responses to behavior.

The transactional theory of leadership, also called “the management theory,” studies leadership as a system of rewards and penalties. It views effective leadership as results-focused and hierarchical. Transactional leaders prioritize order and structure over creativity.

The transformational theory of leadership, also called “the relationship theory,” studies effective leadership as the result of a positive relationship between leaders and team members. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire through their enthusiasm and passion. They are a model for their teams, and they hold themselves to the same standard they expect of others.

The situational theory of leadership does not relate to a certain type of leader or claim that any one style is best. Instead, situational theory argues that the best kind of leader is one who is able to adapt her style based on the situation. They may respond to a situation by commanding, coaching, persuading, participating, delegating or however they think is necessary. Situational leaders are defined by their flexibility.

Why you should identify your leadership theory and style

Considering your thoughts about and practices of leadership can help you identify your areas of strength and weakness and take action to become a better leader. Try to think about what qualities you possess and what qualities you could develop. Ask yourself what leadership theory you agree with or would like to follow. By evaluating your own skills, you can understand how to better lead your group.