LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

There are four main types of theories to take into account when determining a person’s leadership style and these include trait, behavioural, contingency or situational and transformational.

Trait based theories explore certain characteristics that a person portrays in which indicates the potential of an effective leader. These characteristics include:

·       Self confidence and motivation to achieve and lead

·       Industry knowledge and intellectual ability

·       Strong ability for self-expression and communication

Behavioural theories focus on how leaders behave. These theories explore the qualities of behaviours displayed toward followers and it identifies patterns within these behaviours.

Contingency and situational theories are influenced by the context in which leadership is exercised and how it changes in different situations.

Finally transformational theory is an approach to leadership that encourages change in individuals in which generates positive changes with the aim of transforming followers into leaders.

 (Bass, B and Avolio, B. 1990)

 In relation to the Project Coordinator (Jim Williams) of the LEL program, the most apparent leadership style of his would be that of a transformational leader. Jim posses the four components of the transformational leadership theory, which are:

·       Idealised Influence – Jim acts as a role model for participants in the LEL program and has a clear set of values and objectives. He is charismatic and engages authentically with the key stakeholders of the LEL program through displaying admirable and aspirational characteristics in which cause people to identify trust with him as an effective leader.

·       Inspirational Motivation – Jim articulates a vision that is appealing and inspires participants with optimism about future goals, and offers meaning for the current tasks in hand.

·      Intellectual Stimulation – Jim challenges assumptions, stimulates and encourages creativity in the participants. He provides a structured career development plan (CDP) that provides a framework for participants to understand how they connect to the LEL program.

·      Individualised Consideration – The CDP has been devised in order to create a profile of each student’s history, interests and future aspirations. By profiling each student Jim identifies each participants needs. From there a suitable career path is established and the student is then paired with a mentor that is relevant to each individual.

REFERENCES

Bass, B. and Avolio, B. (1990) The Implications of Transactional and Transformational Leadership for Individual, Team, and Organizational Development. Research in Organizational Change and Development, 4 p.231-272.