It’s amazing to think how leadership theories have come so far in explaining the many ways leadership is understood and implemented. For example, take the theories we have discussed thus far in class. We understand the trait theory was the first to take on the responsibility of trying to understand what makes a great leader. Researchers at the time reverted to what they understood; that leadership was inherently passed down and that men of noble blood usually carried those specific genes to become leaders. As we know, this trait based theory is outdated but was a critical starting point in the discussion of leadership theories.

Comparing trait based leadership to task and relations behavior shows the momentum leadership theory has made forward. Comparing instead of traits but the way people prefer to work together is a monumental change in thinking how leadership can be developed and grown. In task and relations behavior theory there is still the underlying nature quality of being born with preferring task oriented or relations oriented behavior however, these categories serve as just differences, as oppose to one being better than the other. For example, relations behavior would show a leader providing recognition for achievement or contributions from employees where as a task oriented leader would focus on monitoring operations and performance of the employees to then reward them. These different behavior theories are only two of the many that a leader could use to effectively manage a team.

Another theory we have discussed that furthers the discussion of leadership theories is the contingency theory. This theory describes the best ways a manager should act based on the situation the employee and leader are in. This theory is most effective when understanding the readiness of the follower. Understanding the four different situations a follower can be in will allow the leader to be most effective. The four different situations are based on the competence and commitment level of the employees and based on how they are reacting tells the manager how best to motivate them.

These theories are broadening my knowledge of leadership and are helping me define the leader I aspire to be some day. Learning about these theories allow me to appreciate how far leadership theories have come and understand that effective leadership styles cannot be simply defined by one theory or category. Good leaders can have multiple theories they base their management style around and use effectively every day.