Leadership theories have been studied for about 150 years now. Due to the fact that leadership is such an ambiguous thing, there are many different theories out there on what makes a great leader. Businesses can use these theories to determine the best types of leadership practices suited for their business. This short presentation briefly describes the different types of leadership theories (there are 8 common ones) and explains what leaders need to do to incorporate the best theory (or theories) into their business.

1. An Introductory Guide to
Leadership Theories
Sabrina Baker, PHR
@sabrinalbaker

2. Leadership Development is one of
the most talked about topics of our
time.
Can everyone be
a leader?
Can leadership
be taught?

3. Leadership is such a broad topic with different
opinions and ideas. Therefore, scholars have set out
to establish models or theories of what effective
leadership actually entails.

4. There are a lot of Leadership theories out there…..
The trick for individuals and
businesses is finding the one
(or combination) that best fits
your style or the style you want
your Leaders to emulate.

5. The “Great Man”
Theory
The “Great Man” theory
contends that leaders are
born and not made. It
states that some
individuals have an
inherent ability to lead.
At the time this theory
was developed, mostly
men were in leadership
roles which is why it is
the great “man” theory.
Trait
Theory
Similar to the first
theory, Trait Theory
states that people inherit
certain qualities and traits
that make them better
leaders. Trait theory
identifies personality or
behavioral characteristics
of great leaders. Selfconfidence and courage
would be two examples.
Contingency
Theory
Contingency theory states
that leadership style is
dependent upon a certain
number of variables. Thus
leadership style changes
based on variables such as
quality of followers,
environment and
communication style. Also
called Situational
Leadership.

6. Situational
Theory
Behavioral
Theory
Participative
Theory
Situational Theory
proposes that leaders
change their style based
on situational variables. It
says that different styles
may be necessary for
different types of decision
making or group
environments. Meaning,
the leader is always
changing their approach.
Opposite to the “Great
Man” theory, Behavioral
Theory says that leaders
are made not born. This
theory focuses on actions
over mental capabilities.
This theory states that
people can be made into
leaders through teaching
and observation.
Participative Theory states
that in order to be a great
leader, one must take
others ideas and opinions
into account. Participation
is encouraged and lends to
give all group members
more buy-in to the
decision making process.

7. Management
Theory
Management Theory is
about organization,
supervision and group
performance. The way
leaders respond to others
is based on a
reward/punish system.
Good performance is
rewarded. Poor
performance is punished.
Relationship
Theory
As the name suggest,
Relationship Theory
focuses on the
relationships formed
between leaders and
individuals. Leaders
look at group performance
but also want individuals
to be successful as well.

8. Individuals and businesses should think
about what type of leadership model best fits
their environment keeping in mind that it may
be a combination of different theories.
And then……
Here comes the hard part

9. EDUCATE – Develop and deliver leadership training focused
on the style that best defines your business.
EMULATE – The type of behavior and characteristics
you want to see in others and especially in fellow leaders.
ENFORCE – Be sure that you are enforcing
the leadership style that best fits and quickly
address behavior outside of expectations.

10. Ready to talk about your businesses Leadership Style and
how you can be sure every leader fits in and emulates it?
Connect with me:
www.acaciahrsolutions.com