Introduction
Leadership theories are the source of many studies. In history, many scholars have attempted to fathom the source of great leaders, both in the business and non-business environment. Consequently, in both practice and theory, there are specific features of individuals that allow them to stand apart from the rest of other individuals. Therefore, there are many theories that professors, researchers, and philosophers continue to study. Two of the professors that have an interest in the subject matter are Professor Michael Zigarelli and John Maxwell. While the former summarizes the most imperative leadership theories in the academic front, the latter creates five theories of leadership that he believes describe successful leadership in the au courant global socio-economic and political fronts.
Michael Zigarelli Leadership Theory
Michale Zigarelli’s theory is a summary of the ten leadership theories that reflect on the best ways to achieve the most effective leadership among followers and personnel. He lists the ten most significant leadership theories that guide a leader in becoming the most effective leader. The first one is the Great Man Theory that posits that leaders are born and not made. Meaning, a person cannot learn to be an effective leader. The weakness of the theory is that there are a lot of leadership factors that one can learn.
The next one is the Trait Theory that states that there are specific traits that help in effective leadership (Zigarelli 2011). The weakness is that several traits give an individual the best features to lead well. Hence the narrowing down is a challenge. The third theory is “The skills Theory of Leadership” that evaluates specific skills that a leader needs to be successful. The skills are conceptual, people, and technical skills. The fourth one is “The Situational Leadership Theory” that argues a good leader adapts to the current situation in which he or she is in, adapting and developing the necessary skills and traits that are effective in the leadership situation that is prevailing. Moreover, there is the “Contingency Theory of Leadership” that is similar to the “Situational Leadership Theory” and assumes that a leader must develop the approach, personality, and style to reflect the situation at hand.
In effect, a leader that is unable to develop such is not successful. There is also the “Transactional Theory of Leadership” (Zigarelli 2011). It states that a good leader is the one that ensures equitable and fair transaction between the follower and the leader. However, it is the responsibility of the leader to identify the correct mix of rewards and punishments that enables the follower or employee to be effective. The eight one is the “Transformational Theory of Leadership” whereby the successful leader is the one that arouses care, inspiration, and courage for the followers to accomplish a specific goal.
The results of adhering to the form of leadership are the change of relationships and environment. Next, there is the “Leader-Member Exchange Theory” that promotes an efficient exchange between the leader and the follower. In the absence of it, there is no effective leadership. Finally, there is the “Servant Leadership Theory” that promotes the focus of the leaders as a servant of the members that he or she leads. According to Zigarelli (2011), Jesus used this approach in His leadership. The examination of Zigarelli (2011) reveals that each theory has its weakness. Additionally, it is challenging to incorporate leadership styles such as autocracy, democracy, and Laissez-Faire. There is a great need to evaluate the theories and express them in categories such as Trait and behavioral theories to further the comprehension of reads and scholars.
John Maxwell’s five theories of leadership
Contrary to Zigarelli (2011), Maxwell (20130 takes a more specific approach than his colleague. According to him, there are five levels of leadership, each with its strength and weakness. The first level is the position. He states that this is the lowest level, calling it “number one” where people follow a leader because of obligation, duty, or necessity. They rely on the policies, rules, and regulations. Hence, the influence of the leader is dependent upon his or her learning of the function, and the need of the followers to adhere to the order. The next level is permission. In this level, people begin to follow because of the influence that the leader has on them.
In contrast to the first level, the second one shows some influence for the leader. Level three bears more influence than the first two. According to Maxwell (2013), a good leader is effective because they get the followers to bear results. In this level, followers have a master of skills, organizational obligations, work ethic, and self-discipline, all of which the leader has influence. The next level is “People Development” where the emphasis is on corporate and personal productivity. A highly productive team of followers is an indication of a high level of leadership. In the level four, the leaders devote their thinking, money, energy, and time in developing the followers to achievement.
Finally, there is the Pinnacle, which is the highest level of leadership. According to Maxwell (2013), “Pinnacle leaders stand out”. Meaning, they bring success to the company or organization, or institution that they lead. Besides dedicating their resources and energy in developing the people that follow them, they tackle the challenges that they face in their positions, accomplishing their goals. They continually reproduce with their followers. Two features stand out in the leaders that reach their pinnacle. The first one is gratitude for their followers. The second one is humility. Contrary to the leaders in the other levels, leaders that are at the level of Pinnacle have extensive influence over their followers, making positive differences in their lives.
The influence that they have, extend from their organizations and industries to other areas in the socio-economic and political environment. Nevertheless, there are weaknesses that Maxwell’s theory of leadership has. For example, it does not explain the kind of traits that makes a leader be in the classification of one of the five categories or levels. Besides that, it does not give any recommendations to the leaders in the five categories on how to rise to the next level. Thus, there is a great need for incorporation with other theories for thorough comprehension.
Conclusion
The cynosure of the discussion is leadership theories. The focus is on Zigarelli (2011) that summarizes the ten most significant leadership theories and Maxwell (2013) that gives five levels of leadership in his theory. Each theory has weaknesses. Thus, there is no reliable academic way to determine the better theory than the other. Nonetheless, they are important in learning how to be a successful leader in the socio-economic and political environments.
References
Maxwell, J. (2013). Five theories of leadership. York: Printed by Thomas Gent, in Peter-Gate.
Zigarelli, M. A. (2011). Leadership Theory. Chicago: Moody Press.
