Contemporary Leadership

Leadership has been studied in a variety of ways. Three traditional approaches to studying leadership are the trait approach, the behavioral approach, and the situational approach. More contemporary approaches to leadership include transformational and transactional leadership, charismatic leadership, authentic leadership, and pseudo-transformational leadership. This activity is important because understanding the nuances between these five contemporary approaches can be difficult. The goal of this activity is to identify each of these five types of contemporary approaches to leadership in action.

Good leadership, unfortunately, is all too rare. Managers may focus on the activities that earn them praise and rewards, such as actions that cause a rise in the company's stock price, rather than making tough ethical choices or investing in long-term results. Some new managers, learning that "quick wins" will help them establish their credibility as leaders, push a pet project while neglecting the impact on the very people they were assigned to lead. This approach tends to backfire, because employees distrust this type of manager and lose any commitment they might have had to the team's long-term success. Successful leaders, in contrast, enlist the team in scoring collective quick wins that result from working together toward a shared vision.

Read the words of the leaders below and the contemporary leadership approach they best exemplify. Then, complete the activity as instructed.

Mitchell: "I know we can be successful! I feel it in my soul I want you all to feel it with me. Believe in us! Believe in this organization! Believe that we will be the number-one manufacturer of small components in the world!"

Margaret: "I'd like to spend time with all of you, individually. I'd like to know your goals for yourself and for this company, and how I can personally help you reach those goals. Each employee is different, and I'd like to get to know you all on an individual level. Before we meet, I'd like you to be sure to read the last four editions of Fast Company magazine and look for ideas that our company might benefit from."

Eduardo: "I strongly recommend this weekend retreat to all of you. At the retreat, I was able to reflect on my own standards for interacting with others and for doing business. As you all know, I pride myself on operating this company true to my inner compass, and this retreat helped me ensure that my business goals are in true alignment with my personal values and with what is truly right."

Aamiina: "I really want positive change for this organization, for all of you. So let's get going. Let's mobilize. You all will be the force for change. I am your leader. I have gone to great lengths and have sacrificed a great deal. I must look out for myself, too. So, it's your turn to step up. I want you all to make my leadership tenure in this company one that the world will never forget."

Risa: I'd like you to get the report for this project finishedit's late, you know. If you finish it today, I'll be sure to note that in your performance bonus file. If you don't, I'll have to take you off of this account, which will reflect badly on you for promotion.

For each leadership style, select the character name that best illustrates the style based on the quotes above.

1. Transformational Leadership

(Click to select)

2. Transactional Leadership

(Click to select)

3. Charismatic Leadership

(Contemporary Leadership

Leadership has been studied in a variety of ways. Three traditional approaches to studying leadership are the trait approach, the behavioral approach, and the situational approach. More contemporary approaches to leadership include transformational and transactional leadership, charismatic leadership, authentic leadership, and pseudo-transformational leadership. This activity is important because understanding the nuances between these five contemporary approaches can be difficult. The goal of this activity is to identify each of these five types of contemporary approaches to leadership in action.

Good leadership, unfortunately, is all too rare. Managers may focus on the activities that earn them praise and rewards, such as actions that cause a rise in the company's stock price, rather than making tough ethical choices or investing in long-term results. Some new managers, learning that "quick wins" will help them establish their credibility as leaders, push a pet project while neglecting the impact on the very people they were assigned to lead. This approach tends to backfire, because employees distrust this type of manager and lose any commitment they might have had to the team's long-term success. Successful leaders, in contrast, enlist the team in scoring collective quick wins that result from working together toward a shared vision.

Read the words of the leaders below and the contemporary leadership approach they best exemplify. Then, complete the activity as instructed.

Mitchell: "I know we can be successful! I feel it in my soul I want you all to feel it with me. Believe in us! Believe in this organization! Believe that we will be the number-one manufacturer of small components in the world!"

Margaret: "I'd like to spend time with all of you, individually. I'd like to know your goals for yourself and for this company, and how I can personally help you reach those goals. Each employee is different, and I'd like to get to know you all on an individual level. Before we meet, I'd like you to be sure to read the last four editions of Fast Company magazine and look for ideas that our company might benefit from."

Eduardo: "I strongly recommend this weekend retreat to all of you. At the retreat, I was able to reflect on my own standards for interacting with others and for doing business. As you all know, I pride myself on operating this company true to my inner compass, and this retreat helped me ensure that my business goals are in true alignment with my personal values and with what is truly right."

Aamiina: "I really want positive change for this organization, for all of you. So let's get going. Let's mobilize. You all will be the force for change. I am your leader. I have gone to great lengths and have sacrificed a great deal. I must look out for myself, too. So, it's your turn to step up. I want you all to make my leadership tenure in this company one that the world will never forget."

Risa: I'd like you to get the report for this project finishedit's late, you know. If you finish it today, I'll be sure to note that in your performance bonus file. If you don't, I'll have to take you off of this account, which will reflect badly on you for promotion.

For each leadership style, select the character name that best illustrates the style based on the quotes above.

1. Transformational Leadership

(Click to select)

2. Transactional Leadership

(Click to select)

3. Charismatic Leadership

(Click to select)

4. Pseudo-transformational Leadership

(Click to select)

5. Authentic Leadership

(Click to select) Click to select)

4. Pseudo-transformational Leadership

(Click to select)

5. Authentic Leadership

(Click to select)