A Word on Theory
Two Actually: useful lies.
All theories are useful lies. Theories are attempts to simplify what is happening in a set of observations. They are attempts to describe reality that typically fall short (otherwise they wouldn’t be so simple). Consider the opposing theories of the earth’s shape: flat or round. At first, mankind thought the earth of flat. Then, at a highly debatable point in time, it was decided that the world was a sphere.
However, both theories are still being used. Shipbuilders didn’t need to make any adjustments in designing boats with this new information, so the old theory worked. Ship captains, however, needed to adjust and use a round-earth theory if they were going to properly navigate the globe. Today, we know that both theories are incorrect (the earth is actually slightly pear-shaped).
All theories are false, but have a useful element of truth to them. What makes some leadership theories more useful than others is the same as what makes earth-shape theories more useful than others: situation.
The theory that will be most useful is the theory that works best with the situation. This is why leaders and aspiring leaders both need to become students of leadership theories: in order to know which one the situation calls for. In order to help you, this series will summarize the array of leadership theories and end each summary with a segment titled “useful lies.” This segment will explain the strengths (useful) and the criticisms (lies) of each theory.
- Intro to Leadership Theory
- Why Theory
- A Word on Theory
- Trait Theory
- Skills Theory
- Style Theory
- Contingency Theory
- Situational Leadership Theory
- Path-Goal Theory
- Leader-Member Exchange Theory
- Transformational/Transactional Leadership Theory
- Servant Leadership Theory
- Strengths-Based Leadership Theory
Tags: leadership, theory
Sup. Hope I am not infesting your mailbox with my shappy email. I just wanted to say hi and is very happy for things going on in your life. Your research and theories about theories made much sense to me and I am just an african, no offense to my own kind. I miss the deep talks about worm holes and alternative galaxies in Saga while Matt ate his cereal without milk of couse.
On a more serious note I am myself in a position where I have to be led, lead and teach about leadership, maybe we can share some ideas sometimes. Maybe we can sharpen each other, considering we are both men. If you know what I mean. Sword fight me.
Kevin, never shappy. I’d welcome the chance to talk about whatever. Either here or through facebook. I too miss the deep Saga talks, interspersed between pointing out what some people thought was dress code.