7.3 Behavioral Theories Behavioral theories suggest that leadership is embedded in the actions of leaders. This develops the trait theories from some inherent qualities of leadership into considering what leaders do. Chapter 5 on Leadership Behaviors develops this concept further. These theories suggest that leaders can be made, i.e. leadership skills can be learnt and developed. Fundamentally, our behaviors are driven by our values and, in leadership terms, there are some perspectives on value categories that are represented by simplied theories. For example, where is the focus of decision making? If the leader makes the decisions, then this is an Authoritative or Autocratic leadership style. If the leader involves the project team in decisions, then the leader is adopting a Participative or Democratic leadership style. When a leader has minimal involvement and leaves decisions to the project team, this is a Laissez Faire leadership style