What’s a Leadership Theory vs. Model vs. Style?

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In the world of leaders and leadership, there is much discussion about leadership theories, models, and styles. But what does each of these actually mean? Are they all the same, or does each have its own definition? Learning what each of these things mean will allow them to be implemented so that an individual can become a better leader or manager.

Leadership Theory
Leadership theories are all about what makes people great leaders. Some of the most common leadership theories include the Great Man theory (which states that some people are natural leaders and others are not), the Trait Theory (leaders have or must develop certain traits in order to be effective leaders), and situational and behavioral theories (different situations and behaviors require different approaches).
Some of these theories are more valid than others. These are theories about what kinds of leadership styles work best for different situations, and therefore encompass both the idea of a leadership model and a leadership style.
Leadership Model
A leadership model is, in short, an example of how to lead. Someone might look to great leaders of our time or of past generations in order to get ideas about how to lead a group of people. Leadership models can also be a set of guidelines that direct a person to lead in a certain way.
For example, if a manager is trying to become a better leader, he may look for different leadership models that will help him learn how to act so that he can more effectively lead the people beneath him. These models are often the result of extensive trial and error testing and may include guidelines to dictate which model might be best for what kind of situation.
Leadership Style
A leadership style is the way that individual leaders lead those they are supposed to manage. It is a result of a certain leadership theory and model, infused with the individual’s own personality and ideas about how to manage the situation. The leadership style should be customized to the individual employees and office atmosphere, instead of just pulled straight out of the theory or model.
Written by
Gerard O’Donovan
CEO and Founder- Noble Manhattan Coaching –   www.noble-Manhattan.com
CEO and Founder  -International Coaching News –  www.international-coaching-news.net
CEO and Founder -Westminster Indemnity –  www.Westminster-indemnity.com
CEO and Founder – The Alpha Group –  www.the-alpha-group.biz
President – International Institute of Coaching and Mentoring – www.iicandm.org
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