Another week, another chapter. More leadership theories to review and assimilate. But something is missing, not once has the topic, why do we need leaders, been broached. So, heading down a rabbit hole this week. Why exactly do we need leaders? Who makes the decision that there must be a leader assuming someone doesn’t step up and assume the role? What exactly would happen with no leaders, no followers? Short answer, the world would collapse into sheer chaos and anarchy would by everywhere. (Kotas, 2017)
Humans are dependent and hard wired for group contact (think troop or pack) If leaderless, we are at a loss of what to do. Conversely, as individuals we know what to do as a single entity. Simply survive and be well. If people do not know what is their purpose in the large scale, they absolutely know what to do to survive (Maslow Hierarchy of Needs A person begins to obtain and consolidate their resources (food/water), will create shelter and create personal space (property) , and a survival sense of defense. And eventually she/he will collide with some other she/he that needs the same resources. And so begins the conflict. There are two outcomes – one individual wins and the other loses (ceases to exist or loses resources).
ALternatley, the posibility exists that some form of mutual support begins for shared resources. At this juncture someone functions as a leader. The leader gets more people to the group pack and provides direction, support and give them a purpose at larger scale. This principle applies to the workplace. Without a leader at large organization, the work would get done randomly at best. But what is more probable, that work would not be done at all, because at some point you are dependent on somebody else who would not want to work. You need a leader to coordinate and give large scale purpose. (Kotas, 2017). Every leadership theory has some value, some more than others. That said, an individual seeking to be a leader is much better off choosing a leadership style or theory to follow than “just winging it” or “watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat” event/situation mentality. A wrong decision can be rectified and modified to obtain the best results. A no decision is not a solution, it is just a course of action (inaction). Nothing changes and more than likely, continues to worsen/deteriorate. Of the theory models to date, Path-Goal Theory is not overly complex or difficult to assimilate and execute – I beg to differ with the text chapter summary/critiicisms . A potential leader needs to understand and apply the basic Path-Goal Theory table principles and adjust as necessary. Yes, there is a learning curve but you need to crawl before you walk. (Northouse, 2016, p. 121)
Kotas, P. (2017, May 1). What would happen to the world if there were no leaders? Retrieved from http://www.quora.com
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership Theory and Practice 7th edition (p. 121). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Retrieved from http://www.quora.com