Assignment Example: Compare Yourself to Your Leadership Leader

Introduction

Leadership theories are commonly categorized according to which aspect is believed to describe the leader the most. The following are the examples of the common leadership theories; Behavioral theory, trait theory, great man theory, contingency theory, transformational theory and transactional theory.

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From this aspect I have studied the theories and come up with the best leadership theory I would like to use. It is known as the trait theory which identifies the qualities typically characterize the successful leaders, such as assertiveness, integrity and empathy. The trait theory explains that leaders have certain innate traits that enable them to lead successfully, such traits as dependability, persistence, adaptability and assertiveness. Hence, the trait theory allows one to be ambitious and achievement-oriented by setting achievable goals and work hard towards achieving them in a short or long-term process. Trait theories assume that people inherit certain traits that make them better suited to leadership. Trait theories often identify a particular personality or behavioural traits shared by leaders. For instance, characters like self-confidence, extroversion, and courage are all traits that could be linked to great leaders. Moreover, certain traits such as charisma, confidence, and knowledge may as well help leaders to become more effective in achieving their stated goals. Finally, the trait leadership theory believes that a human being is either born or made with particular qualities that will enable them to excel in leadership roles. Hence, certain qualities such as a sense of responsibilities, creativities, intelligence and other values put anyone in a position of a good leader. The trait theory of leadership also focuses on analyzing the physical, social and mental characteristic to achieve a greater understanding of what is the characteristic as well as the combination of traits.

My invisible leader Dr Martin Luther King also do possess certain leadership qualities that are as a result of transformational theory. The transformational theory is where the leader connects with followers in such a way it raises the degree of motivation and morality. The theory itself creates valuable and positive change in the followers with the end goal of developing followers into leaders. It includes connecting the follower's sense of identity and self to the mission and the collective identity of the organization. Being a role model to me, Dr Martin Luther King inspires me a lot by challenging me to take greater ownership of my work as an individual. He also understands the strengths and weakness of his followers hence he can align followers with the task that optimizes their performance. Motivation and morality are so much significant since it demands that transformational leaders be connected to a collective good. It may be so societal good, i.e. starting a community centre for the local people as well as enhancing the air quality or a more personalized good such as assisting direct reports in reaching their potential. Through transformational theory, a leader may; idealized influence as well as charisma hence making people to want to follow the vision they establish. Also, a transformational leader does inspire especially through motivation. Since communication is the core vehicle of inspirational for a transformational leader, Dr Martin Luther King uses words to encourage others and inspire action. Through intellectual stimulation, Martin Luther king stretch others to think more deeply, innovate and challenge assumptions. Moreover, has a transformational leader they do show care and concern for individuals mostly the marginalized in the society.

The transformational traits observed in the life of Dr Martin Luther King are inspiring. I can observe some kind some similarities and the difference when I compare the leadership of the King with that one of mine. King is an intelligent and creative leader. When I reflect my life, such traits do exist. So far I can remember points in life where I applied creativity to solve some of the life issues. A good example of such a scenario is when I was faced with two issues at hand. One of the required demanded for my time and more energy. The other only needed the application of knowledge with minimum effort. I had to apply creativity to ensure that both tasks could be accomplished since both were significant. I did both at the same time but using different techniques. My intelligence also got applied in solving out the problems. In the life of Martin Luther King, he is observed applying intelligence and creativity on many occasion, particularly in his speeches.

Conclusion

We will always wish to possess the leadership traits of our mentors, despite that, some similarities might exist just like there are some which I can draw from the life of Dr Martin Luther King, the difference will also always exist. Being determine is a virtue that requires perseverance. The determinants of Dr. Luther King, enable him to fight and penetrate through the many challenges that came in his life. For my case, I believe that I am also determined but I cannot reach to the extend Luther king gets. There are some ways in which I can adapt my leadership to be more effective. Identification of my intrinsic style of leadership is one of the ways. Once I have identified, I should recognize the pros and cons of those leadership styles. I also need to use a number of approaches in my leadership for it to become effective for instances participative and transactional approach.