Evolution of Leadership Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Evolution of Leadership Thinking - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that leadership practices have been diverse and dynamic throughout the years. Trends in leadership have always captured the attention of scholars in various academic fields. This follows the evolvement of leadership thinking over time. Essentially, changes and improvements in leadership perspectives are backed up by leadership theories that trace, examine, assess, evaluate, and analyze the evolution of leadership thinking. The movement from traditional to contemporary theories of leadership is aligned with the leadership needs, interests, issues, and concerns of today’s world. Notably, this movement is informed by leadership thinking evolution relative to leadership theories. Leadership perspectives have substantially changed since the 19th century. The traditional leadership theory of the Great Man regarded leadership as something which was acquired at birth. In this respect, leaders were not necessarily expected to emerge every now and then. In the light of contemporary leadership practices, this theory downplayed the skills approach to leadership but relatively upheld the trait approach. Inborn traits and personality development influenced leadership thinking within the period associated with the ‘great man’ leadership. The Great Man Theory made no provisions for learned leadership. This implies that it was not believed a person could actually learn and become a skilled leader.