The six major leadership theories

There are six major leadership theories, developed in the late 20th century, that continue to be applied in organizations. Some theories focus on the followers, some on the situation, and others on execution.

Consider the six leadership theories we learned about this week:
Path-goal.
Leader-member exchange.
Transformational leadership.
Servant leadership.
Adaptive leadership.
Team leadership.
Identify an experience that you had in the workplace where a leader exhibited one of these theories.
Give three specific example that show how the leader was exemplifying the selected theory.

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

Leader-Member Exchange in Action: Building Trust and Growth

During my internship at a design agency, I witnessed a manager, Sarah, exemplify the principles of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory. This theory posits that leaders develop unique relationships with each follower, impacting their motivation, performance, and satisfaction. Witnessing Sarah’s interactions with two of us interns demonstrated this theory in action:

Building Trust and Mutual Respect:

  1. Individualized attention: Sarah regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with each intern, not just for project updates but also to inquire about our personal and professional well-being. This created a safe space for open communication and fostered trust.
  2. Delegation with responsibility: Recognizing individual strengths and interests, Sarah assigned projects that challenged us appropriately. She delegated tasks with clear expectations and autonomy, entrusting us with ownership and increasing our sense of responsibility and value.

Full Answer Section

  1. Feedback and mentorship: Sarah provided specific, constructive feedback on our work, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement. She offered guidance and resources, but also encouraged independent thinking and problem-solving, fostering our growth and development.

These specific examples illustrate how Sarah cultivated high-quality LMX relationships with us interns. By taking the time to understand our individual needs and strengths, providing trust and responsibility, and offering personalized feedback and mentorship, Sarah fostered a positive and empowering work environment that fueled our motivation and contributed to our professional growth.

The Leader-Member Exchange theory emphasizes the importance of investing in individual relationships with followers. Sarah’s leadership style perfectly embodied this principle, demonstrating how building trust, providing opportunities for growth, and recognizing individual value can significantly impact the success and well-being of team members.

Note: This is just one example. You can choose a different theory and a different workplace experience to showcase your understanding of the six leadership theories we learned about this week.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer