Learning of different leadership theories is critical to cultivate and shape future leaders. The different leadership theories were evolved to help leaders understand the basic concepts required to be successful in their respective organization. One of the mains of this course provides a comprehensive overview of the approaches to leadership with the focus on how these approaches could be used to realize better organizational outcomes. The basic components of the leadership theory are examined and the skills required for effective leadership is examined. Understanding these theories enable one to make effective theories that are biblically sound and have long-term benefits. This thematic integration of faith and learning paper provides an overview of the Leadership Theory course and its significance to business, analysis of critical concepts to apply leadership theory in real-world applications, and an analysis of concepts from the texts by Northouse, Merida, the Bible and other sources to present a biblical understanding leadership theory.
Leadership Theory and its Significance to Business
Leadership can be defined as the practice of motivating a group of people towards a certain action so as to realize a common goal. Leadership theories are the basic schools of thought that have been postulated to show how individuals can become better leaders. Leadership can also be analyzed from a biblical point of view where it refers to the act of serving or influencing others out of the interest of Christ so that they can accomplish the purposes of God. The definitions of leaderships and leadership theories shows that leaders have the task to accomplish a specific goal or to realize a greater purpose. Leah (2017) observed that business leaders are critical to achieving a greater purpose in business. Leaders can seek to create a positive impact as a result of their work in organizations. The positive impact that leaders should strive to create in businesses could include the generation of prosperity, improving the wellbeing of men, and realizing better environmental outcomes. The leadership theories thus equip the leader with the ability to create a positive impact to the world around them.
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Leadership theories can also be applied so as to realize business success. Understanding the basic tenets of the leadership theories equips one with the necessary tools to become a successful leader. One can look at the different approaches and get a better understanding of how to apply some of the principles for their businesses. Proper leadership will ensure that the success of a business would be used to meet higher human needs. Melé and Fontrodona (2017) noted that ethical leadership is critical to ensure that leaders can use the economic wealth of their organizations to meet human needs. As the leader of a successful business, one must strive to seek guidance on the Holy Spirit regarding making the right decisions when making use of the company’s resources. The leadership theory course can thus equip a student with the ability to make sound decisions based on the guidance from the Holy Spirit and to realize business success.
Leaders also influence the continuity and functioning of a business by motivation and influencing others to act. Leadership theory equips leaders with the ability to inspire others towards action. Schwenk (2020) observes that leaders act as pioneers by analyzing the example of Apostle Peter who stirred a compassionate heart among his followers. Leaders too can use the basic traits of such leadership to develop the strengths of team members, cultivate the entrepreneurial culture of and influence team members towards action. The leader should also show the fruits of the Holy Spirit and this will be important in building successful relationships both within and outside the organization (Crowther, 2017). People will be more keen to follow individuals that show the fruits of the Spirit. The leadership theory thus helps students to grow to become leaders that can influence others. This is done by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ethical principles that guide businesses.
The leadership theory is used to cultivate a business mindset by providing understanding of the approaches that are required for leadership. The business environment can be challenging as leaders would have to make financial and investment decisions on behalf of the shareholders of a company (Alderman et al., 2017). Leaders need to have the right traits such as a sound mind and integrity when making such decisions. Understanding the leadership theories equips students with the ability to develop such traits and become successful leaders in their respective organizations. Through prayer and the influence of the Holy Spirit, the leader should make decisions that lead the organization towards success.
Synthesis of Leadership Theory Concepts and Real-World Applications
There are critical concepts that are critical for an individual to demonstrate that they have synthesized the concepts in leadership theory and can make real world applications. The different concepts were identified as traits of a leader, behavioral approach to leadership, situational approach to leadership, biblical alignment of a leader to leadership, and motivating and influencing followers.
Traits of A Leader
One of the main concepts of leadership theory is the trait approach to leadership. The trait approach observes that organizations will function better when people in managerial positions have a specific leadership profile. Some of the major leadership traits that were identified by Northouse (2018) as intelligence, integrity, self-confidence, sociability, and determination. Zaccaro et al. (2018) also identified several leadership traits and attributes such as problem-solving competencies, tacit knowledge and expertise. These leadership traits are used to separate individuals from leaders. When applied in a real-word application, leaders can examine their traits to determine whether they should strive to improve on specific characteristics. Organizations can also specific some characteristics and traits about a particular position and then use the different traits as a basis of measure that determines whether an individual meets the basic traits. One of the traits that was identified that can be applied from a biblical point of view is that of integrity. Integrity is the quality of showing trustworthiness and honesty. God expects that leaders who have been appointed should show the trait of integrity as it means that they will be able to lead with justice and fairness.
Behavioral Approach to Leadership
Behavior is also associated with leadership. As followers, employees tend to look at the behavior of their leader. The behavior of a leader is based on what they do and how they act. The behavior of a leader can focus on the actions of leaders towards their followers. The behavior approach observes that the actions of leaders should be used to facilitate better relationships. While leaders may have to focus on the completion of tasks, they may have to focus on having better behaviors that build relationships. Crowther (2017) observes that the leader that shows the fruit of the Spirit should earn the trust of followers and build meaningful human relationships. The fruit of the spirit highlights some of the behaviors that one should have. Without such behavior, one cannot develop trust or relationships and this would make it difficult for one to lead. When applied to real-world organization, leaders and managers should determine how they are coming across to others and assess their own behaviors.
Situational Approach to Leadership
The situational approach to leadership is a concept which is based on the providing different kinds of leaderships in different situations. One would have to adapt their style of leadership based on demands in the different situations. The different types of leadership styles that can be applied in different situations are the supportive and directive style of leadership (Northouse, 2018). When determining the style of leadership required, the leader should assess their followers and their commitment towards achieving a goal. Cote (2017) identified that situational leadership should be based on supportive behavior that focuses on four styles of leadership including delegating, supporting, coaching, and directing. Based on the situation at hand, the leader should adapt their style based on the development levels so to adequately meet the demands of employees.
Biblical Alignment of a Leader
The biblical alignment of the leaders is based on the fact that effective leader should follow the guidelines of the Bible and seek guidance from God. The Bible addresses about different type and styles of leaders. Merida (2015) suggests leaders are appointed by God and God gives the leaders wisdom so as to provide effective leadership. Good leaders and bad leaders and their leadership traits are specifically identified in I and II Kings. For instance, Solomon is identified as a good leader because he was able to lead in the wisdom that was provided by God (Merida, 2015). Erangula (2015) identifies that the bible talks about leaders skillful and full of integrity. Proverbs 6:6-8 provides an example of the ant that do not have accountability but continue to do what is right. Leaders are required to show the same level of integrity. In the real-world organization, one should base their leadership based on the principles from the Bible. Influencing and Motivating Followers
Leaders should not lead from an authoritarian perspective but should influence and motivate their followers to action. The style and approach that the leader should make in any business environment involves being a role model for others to follow. Zoghbi-Manrique-de-Lara (2019) identifies that ethical leadership should be applied by leaders to motivate followers in being compassionate. The ethical behavior was associated with several traits such as empathic concern, kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. Leaders should also understand that they are tasked with using and developing the talents and gifts of their followers. The leader is responsible for analyzing the abilities of their followers and growing them. The leader should ensure that there is an appropriate atmosphere conducive for the growth of their followers. Jesus provides an example of the development of his disciples where he was able to give each of them a role and harness their skills and abilities. In a practical organization, the leader should be able to influence employees towards a common goal and make sure that they make use of their skills and abilities when achieving those goals.
Biblical Understanding of Leadership Theory
The biblical understanding of leadership theory can be understood by considering the concepts from Merida and Northouse texts, the Bible, and research materials. The specific concepts identified included servant leadership, adaptable leadership, and that leadership is cultivated by God.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is based on the fact leaders should be individuals that have a natural feeling of being ready to serve. Northouse (2018) observes that servant leadership begins with serving first and growing wiser as one serves. Merida (2015) also upholds the concept of servant leadership by observing how Elisha played the role of a servant before he became a leader. When applied to an organization, the servant leadership model of leadership requires that the leader should act as the servant and not as the top figure of the organization. The servant leadership style is used to gain positive organizational culture and engagement with the employees (Whittington, 2017). One of the best examples of servant leadership in the Bible is that of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed the servant leadership model in different ways. Jesus was the son of God and had much authority but he lived in humility using his authority to serve and help those in need. In Matthew 20:26 (NIV), Jesus states that “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” The statement implies that whoever wants to be the leader should do so by being a servant. Jesus also washed his disciple’s feet and this was a practical example to his disciples on how they should be servant leaders.
Adaptive Leadership
Adaptive leadership is a style of leadership where the leader has to adapt to the changes they can experience in an organization. Northouse (2018) identifies that adaptive leadership is a follower-centered style of leadership as it focuses on how leaders can help others do their work so as to adapt to the challenges which they face. The adaptive leadership is thus based on how people adjust and change with the new circumstances presented to them. Merida (2015) critically analyzes David and it was apparent that he showed the leadership traits of being adaptive. Friedman (2016) identifies that David would go back God even when he had encountered several challenges as a result of sin. The Bible in Acts 13:22 thus talks of David and states “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” This shows that David was able to change and transform his life based on the challenges presented to him. Paul is also an example of an adaptive leader who had an experience with Christ and he transformed and became committed to the spread of the gospel. He encountered several challenges through his transformation from a prosecutor of the church but was able to rise above the doubts that people had.
Leaders Are Placed and Cultivated by God
Leaders are placed by God and he God guides the work of leaders so that they can do his will. Therefore, even though the leader may look at their actions as insignificant, one should always understand that they are working for the kingdom of God. Merida (2015) observes this by stating that one should never underestimate the things that one does for God’s kingdom. Romans 13:1 states “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” The verse observes that every form of leadership in this world has been created God and it is God that has placed the leaders in their current positions. This also applies to the secular setting. After appointing leaders, God gives them the wisdom to lead. Leaders should thus ask for wisdom from God so as to be able to provide leadership and guidance to their followers well.
Conclusion
The analysis of the leadership theory shows that it has a relevant impact in organizations and it integrates with various biblical concepts. Leadership theory was applicable to business as it would enable students to have the required traits to realize business success. Several leadership theory concepts were also identified for real-world applications. The texts and various sources also highlighted the common themes of adaptive leadership, servant leadership, and a God-placed leadership.
References
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