Question

We’ve now encountered a wealth of information about leadership theory and leadership behavior. For this discussion, choose a contemporary leader and determine his/her leadership methods based on theory – what are the pros and cons of this person leading this way?

First Post

For this week’s discussion, incorporate the following concepts into your post:

Provide a brief background of the leader you are analyzing.

Which theory best fits this leader’s style? Explain with examples.

What are the benefits and hindrances of this leader leading in this manner?

What would be a better approach to leading, for this leader? Explain.

Answer 1

The leader that I'd like to analyze would be Steve Jobs.

According to me, he was more of Charismatic Leader, who was driven by a need for power, and his power need was driven more by a personalized thrust than a social thrust, wherein his interests were far more superior than that of his subordinates.

He was a Charismatic leader, he had the personality and the manipulative tools which gave him the power to twist people into doing what he wanted, irregardless of it being right or wrong.

What he needed to be in order to have actually been loved and have a workforce that wasn't breaking under pressure, or not quiting untimely would be to be more servant leadership oriented, that is, more follower oriented than self oriented. He needed to be a transformational leader as opposed to a Charismatic, self infused leader.