Different Leadership Theories

Different Leadership Theories and Where I Fit Into Them

I have just been appointed supervisor, and since this is the first time I have been in a

formal leadership role I want to do anything possible to ensure that I am successful. I

decided to do some research on leadership theories on my own. I have also taken two

personality tests online, which were the 5-factor IPIP Personality test by Tickle, and the

other one was from FunEducation. I wanted to find out what they say my personality type

is, so I could figure out what leadership theory I fit into.

The 5-Factor IPIP personality test showed that I had a unique quality, and that it was

that I am unusually agreeable. I am not so sure about this part, because if I feel that

someone is wrong then I will go out of my way to prove it. The test then goes on to say

that I believe that people are inherently good, and that I tend to listen to my heart on

important matters. I definitely agree with this part of the test, because that is exactly how

I am. The personality test continues to evaluate me as a gentle, sincere person with a

desire to help others. This is also another aspect of my personality that is true, but the test

also says that I am straightforward, but that I am not the type of person to brag about my

life, or the things in my life. This is also true, and as for being straightforward, well let's

just say that I have been called brutally honest. The test continues on to say that people

like me more, because I am good at helping others realize their own talents, and because I

listen to other peoples suggestions. The only part that I disagree with is that it says people

tend to like me more. I actually have very few friends, but they are good friends. Most

people do however respect me, and on occasion I have come across those who are

jealous, and who have caused problems for me. This test also says that my personality as

compared to others who are agreeable that I am unusually capable of clearly expressing

my feelings and opinions, and it says that only 1.8% of all test takers have this unique

combination of personality strengths (The 5-Factor IPIP Personality Test). I can agree

with about 98% of this test, because I can honestly say that this test almost fits me to a

tee.

The personality test on FunEducation is broken down into five categories also, but

they are different, and are broken down into conscientiousness, agreeableness,

extroversion, openness, and emotional stress tolerance. Under conscientiousness I fall

under the organized, dutiful, but am able to put work aside easily. Agreeableness is the

same as the other test. Extroversion says that I am comfortable in some social situations,

and conversations. Openness says that I prefer current activities and ideas to new ones,

which is true, because I really don't like to change things if the current ones are

working. My motto is if it ain't broke don't fix it. My emotional stress tolerance tends to

be stable, poised, and level-headed (FunEducation). For the most part I can agree that I

do have a high stress tolerance, which is good for me considering what I do for a living

After gaining some insight of my personality I have found that there are several

theories that I fit into, or a combination thereof. The theories that I fall into are the

behavioral theory, the participative theory, the trait theory, the transactional theory, and

the charismatic part of transformational theory. Under behavioral theory I believe that

having a good relationship with subordinates is an important way of gaining respect and

trust. I also believe that there has to be a reward, and punishment system in place to

reinforce good behavior. Since I value the input of my employees, and have a genuine

concern for them is why I feel I fall into the participative theory. I am self confident,

fairly intelligent, full of high energy, and believe in honesty and integrity also puts me in

the trait theory. I also have qualities that suggests that I fall under transactional theory,

which include the fact that I do focus on the leader and follower relationship, and that I

will start my employees off with simple tasks at first, and work them up to more difficult

ones to see how much they can handle, especially when I am working with people that I

am not familiar with. Transformational theory I fall more to the charismatic end where I

tend to have a more positive outlook on things, and that I am self-confident, and

enthusiastic.