Gaurav Wadhwa H12019 PART 1 - SUMMARY OF THE 8 LEADERSHIP THEORIES

Trait Approach Trait approach puts emphasis on individual characteristics of a person which enable him to become a leader. It states that leaders have certain innate characteristics like intelligence, extroversion, selfconfidence etc. Skills Approach Skills approach also takes a leader-centered perspective and focuses on the skills which a leader should have like technical, human and conceptual skills. But it is different from the trait approach as it says that skills and abilities can be learned instead of being born with it. Style Approach This approach deals with the behavior of the leader and goes on to explain that leaders primarily exhibit two kinds of behavior- task behavior and people behavior. Task behavior is concerned with achieving goals whereas people behavior is more of a supportive kind of behavior. Situational Approach This approach focuses on followers readiness and explains that different situations demand different kinds of leadership. It states that leadership is composed of directive and supportive dimensions and depending upon varying amount of direction and support, it distinguishes four different stylessupporting, coaching, delegating, directing. Contingency Approach This approach is based on leadership styles and situational variables and explains that leaders effectiveness depends on matching of his style to the situational context. LPC (Least Preferred Coworker) measurement is used to describe the leaders leadership style preference. Low LPC indicates more stress on task behavior while a high LPC indicates more stress on relationship behavior. Leader Member Exchange (LMX) Approach This approach dwells on the impact that positive relations between the leader and subordinate have on organizational success. This exchange is facilitated by leaders having control over the tangible/intangible rewards desired by the subordinate and also by subordinates being committed to their tasks.

Transformational Approach It explains how the motivation level and performance of followers is increased by the leaders. For this process, Transformational Approach considers four basic elements: individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and idealized influence. Authentic Approach This theory states that a leader can influence and empower his followers to make a difference by having high integrity and values.

PART 2 - The Theory which most explains my Leadership Approach

Situational Approach The theory which most explains my Leadership Approach is Situational Approach. During my two years of work experience in the manufacturing sector, I discovered that it is very important to change my leadership style according to the needs of the followers and situations. I always make efforts to adapt to different situations and use varying degrees of directive and supportive behavior so as to suit the needs of the different followers.

PART 3 - The Theory which least explains my Leadership Approach

Trait approach Trait approach least explains my leadership approach. This is because I disagree with the contention that leaders are born. Rather I think that anyone can become an effective leader by improving upon certain skills which can be learned over time. During my two years of work experience in the manufacturing sector, I realized that leadership skills can be learned over time and therefore I believe that leaders are made and not born.