Name the different types of leadership theories and describe them.

Describe a leadership theory that resonates with you. Why does this particular theory appeal to you in contrast to the other theories. Have you ever seen a nursing leader utilize this theory?

There are many leadership theories, but the most discussed and recognized are described below.

 Trait Theory

 Description: Is centered around finding certain specific personality characteristics and patterns of behavior that define a good and efficient leader. Positivity, strategising ability, and the ability to make sound decisions are some of the qualities that come with leadership.

 Example: Leadership competencies are assumed to be capable of being inherited so that the leaders themselves are naturally gifted.

 Behavioral Theory

 Description: Stress on the processes done and performed by the leaders rather than the characteristics possessed by them. Taught leadership presumably means it can be learned and picked up in the process of leadership development.

 Example: The paper also highlights positive attitudes of leaders; appreciable and participative leaders enhance the production and satisfaction levels of subordinates.

 Situational Theory

 Description: Argues that the appropriateness and suitability of a certain leadership style depends with the circumstances in place. For that reason, leaders have to be situational with the type of leadership they are going to adopt; depending on their subordinates and the task at hand.

 Example: A leader might also act in a highly authoritative means in a crisis situation while in normal working environment, he may adopt democrat style.

 Transformational Theory

 Description: More emphasised on encouraging callers to do more and attain positive results for self and other development. Transformational leadership can be distinguished according to the creation of a vision, inspiration, and change.

 Example: Then we observe managers who disrupt the established processes and mobilise their subordinates to orient themselves on the future.

 Transactional Theory

 Description: It is characterized by the so called system of bonuses and penalties. Managers are concerned with stability and effectiveness and with how transactions and performance expectations are communicated.

 Example: Managers who give clear objectives aligned with a system of consequences if objectives are achieved or not.

 Servant Leadership Theory

 Description: Is built upon the process of providing care and aiming at benefits of the collective rather personal ones. Servant leaders, therefore, promote understanding, accountability, and the development of the individuals.

 Example: Managers who are more concerned with the welfare of their subordinates, and the way in which they can be helped to realise their potentialities.

 Authentic Leadership Theory

 Description: Focuses on authenticity and moral character of leadership and transparency. Honesty is one way of nurturing trust while acting according to one’s principles is another guideline of authentic leaders.

 Example: Managers who display organisational values, can articulate personal values, and support and model psychological safety.

 The Leadership Theory That I Find Most Relevant

 Transformational Leadership Theory

 Why It Appeals: This is why transformational leadership appeals to me – it is all about making people perform beyond expectation and go above and beyond what they believed they were capable of doing. It mainly focuses on the art of visualization, generating ideas, and working with enthusiasm. What is more, the given approach reflects my fundamental beliefs regarding the cultivation of talents and the support of the growth process in others.

 Contrast to Other Theories: : While transactional leadership might be more oriented toward the daily tasks and organizational rewards and penalties, the transformational leadership is more of the charismatic call to action. Indeed, while situational leadership focuses on followers and environmental context, transformational leadership entails the creation of something new, a new reality.

 Real-Life Example: Organizational transformation that I have witnessed was an instance of utilising the transformational leadership by a nursing leader who introduced a new patient care model. This leader expressed a goal that in the nursing environment patients’ outcomes would be enhanced and together with it, everyone was motivated to apply new interventions. They offered support and development, so team morale improved, as did patients’ treatment outcomes.

 References

 Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.

 Bass, B. M. , & Riggio, R. E. (Eds. ). (2006). Transformational Leadership. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

 Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: The legitimate claim to power at its ultimate level and the mystery of human greatness. Paulist Press.

 Another reason that can be attributed to the efficiency of transformational leadership which is aimed at the inspiration and development of individuals is the fact that it will prove most beneficial in volatile and complex organizations and settings, especially in healthcare organisations where motivation and creativity are critical success factors.