Effective leadership requires a balance of qualities and methods. Different theories and models exist, including situational leadership, managerial grid model, functional leadership, and transformational leadership. Effective leaders use different styles according to the needs of a particular group.
Effective leadership requires a balance of different qualities and methods that inspire followers to achieve a common goal. There are many different theories and models related to effective leadership. Previous leadership studies have placed a strong emphasis on the traits and qualities of individual leaders, but more recent models have rewarded methodology and the development of effective communication skills. The different methods for effective leadership include goal focus, group focus, individual focus, and being flexible enough to use these areas of focus alone or in combination at different times.
An initial study by Kurt Lewin focuses on leader behavior. Lewin’s model introduces three different methods of leadership: authoritarian, participatory and free. Lewin concludes that effective leaders make use of all three methods but favor one in most situations. Conversely, less effective leaders are only able to use one of these styles.
Such a theory of management is called situational leadership, devised by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. This theory identifies four effective leadership methods that can be applied to different situations. According to situational leadership theory, a telling leader issues instructions and ignores feedback, a sales leader works to persuade followers of the wisdom of a particular decision, a participating leader works to develop decisions together with followers, and a delegating leader allows followers to followers to make decisions and execute them without direct guidance. Theory suggests that an effective leader must be able to use each of these styles according to the needs of a particular group.
Another leadership study by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton analyzes leadership on two different scales: concern for people and concern for production. According to the managerial grid model, there are five different leadership styles in a grid: country club, impoverished, middle-of-the-road, make or perish, and team. This model assumes that the most effective method of leadership, team style, prioritizes both people and production, resulting in a healthy work environment.
Other models place more emphasis on the leadership process rather than on the techniques used by the individual leader. John Adair’s model of functional leadership suggests that effective leaders work to meet needs in three different areas: the team, or directing and improving group discussion; the task or work towards a common goal; and the individual, or by working to improve the performance of certain members. Each team member can participate in strengthening group performance in these three fields, and effective leadership requires an individual to focus on all of them.
A more recent model, transformational leadership, developed by James Burns and Bernard Bass, focuses on team members and their evolution. According to this model, effective leadership inspires followers not only to contribute to the success of the group and the task at hand, but to grow individually, eventually becoming leaders themselves. Transformational leaders are concerned with both the development of their organization and the members who make it up.
There is no consensus on the individual traits that comprise an effective leader or the most effective leadership styles. Some leadership styles might work in certain situations or with some people, but will be less successful in other situations or with other groups. However, different theories of leadership and methodology provide insight into different methods that are used by effective leaders on a daily basis.
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