3) Understanding the three leadership theories

• Situational leadership theory

  • Effective leaders may adopt the leadership style that will ensure that the goals of the organisation are achieved.
  • The relationship between leader and employees are based on values of trust.
  • Leaders possess the skills to analyse situations and allocate tasks to the most suitable employees.
• Transformational theory/ Transitional leadership theory

  • Leaders lead by example and workers respond by focusing on their outputs.
  • Works take greater ownership of their responsibilities and are aware of their limitations and strengths.
  • Leaders have strong and charismatic personalities, that they use to increase the motivation levels of workers.
• Leader and followers

  • Followers take responsibility for targets not achieved.
  • Leaders lead by example and provide incentives for positive behaviours.
  • Innovation of some followers are stifled as they simply follow the leader and other followers.
• The role of personal attitude in successful leadership

  • Positive attitude releases leadership potential.
  • Leaders' attitude may influence employees behaviour.
  • Leaders should model the behaviour that they want to see in team members.