Introduction to Leadership Approaches & Theories
by Ken Valenzuela, BeALeader.Net's Chief Editor
Leadership is a human subject and as such is a complex matter. There are many ways to look at it. By 1998, more than 30.000 journal and magazine articles and books were written about leadership. There is not a single definition for leadership because it's studied in different ways that require different definitions.
In the next pages we'll see a summary of the most influential and notable approaches and theories about leadership that scientists and researchers have developed. In the days to come, I'll go deep into each of the approaches and theories to broaden its scope and your understanding. I found this to be a required step to develop a better understanding of leadership, grasp the essentials, and in the end, to become a better leader.
It's interesting to note that the different approaches and theories tend to move from the study of the leader to the study of the relationship between the leader and the followers.
Every approach or theory leaves us something to embrace or consider. While studying the subject I became much more aware of my own acts, and of course, of the acts of the "leaders" I deal with. My boss, the boss of my boss, and of course my peers. The Simple Leadership Model I propose is my call to the subject. But now, you'll learn about the views of scientists and researchers that have dedicated their lives studying Leadership.
Let's take a look to each of the approaches and theories, and find out what they have to offer.
