How to decide Leadership Skill Required?

Theories view leadership as grounded in one or more of the following three perspectives: 

1. leadership as a process or relationship, 

2. leadership as a combination of traits or personality characteristics, or 

3. leadership as certain behaviors or, as they are more commonly referred to, leadership skills. 

In virtually all of the more dominant theories there exist the notions that, at least to some degree, leadership is a process that involves influence with a group of people toward the realization of goals.  In my opinion, leadership is a dynamic and complex process.

Theories of Ledership are-

1.  Trait Theory- people are either born or not born with the qualities that predispose them to success in leadership roles.  That is, that certain inherited qualities, such as personality and cognitive ability, are what underlie effective leadership.

2. Skills Theory- learned knowledge and acquired skills/abilities are significant factors in the practice of effective leadership.

3. Situational Theory- different situations require different styles of leadership.

4. Contingency Theory- leader’s effectiveness is contingent on how well the leader’s style matches a specific setting or situation.

In situational the focus is on adapting to the situation, whereas contingency states that effective leadership depends on the degree of fit between a leader’s qualities and style and that of a specific situation or context.

5. Transformational Theory- leadership is the process by which a person engages with others and is able to create a connection that results in increased motivation and morality in both followers and leaders.  It is often likened to the theory of charismatic leadership that espouses that leaders with certain qualities, such as confidence, extroversion, and clearly stated values, are best able to motivate followers.

6. Transactional Theory- focuses on the exchanges that take place between leaders and followers.  It is based in the notion that a leader’s job is to create structures that make it abundantly clear what is expected of his/her followers and also the consequences (i.e. rewards and punishments) for meeting or not meeting these expectations.

So how can these theories apply to one’s work?

 Needed following steps-

1. Identify the qualities needed.

2. Understanding Organization Culture.

3. With this look for those qualities, skills, knowledge, to assure finding someone that is a good fit for the job and the culture (Contingency Theory).

The assessment process includes tools to measure personality, cognitive abilities, and drive (Trait Theory), adaptability (Situational Theory), and sociability (Transformational Theory).  It also involves, through interviews and work simulations, an evaluation of a person’s work-related skills and knowledge of the business (Skills Theory).