Military Leadership

Another theory that significantly provides the practical tools to become an effective leader is the Contingency Theory. Fred Fiedler formulated contingency model

Leaders have a “the ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals” (Robbins & Judge, 2007, p. 402). In the past leaders have been described by certain traits or characteristics. These traits can help an organization identify potential candidates who may be strong leaders. Later behavior approaches of leaders were identified that could be taught. In short, leaders could be made. Situations have an impact on which leader behaviors will be most effect at any given time. Several contingency theories have been formulated over the years to identify how situations influence leadership behavior. Each style has strengths and

3) Contingency approach to leadership-this theory refers to the group atmosphere and to the degree of confidence, loyalty, and attraction the followers feel about their leader. If certain favourable situations occur then there has been a positive relationship between the followers and the leader which means that the task was clearly defined and there is a clear leader position power.

This type of leadership behavior can be seen in some branches of the military where senior officers have to lead both military and civilian personnel, consequently requiring flexibility in their leadership styles. The writer has had the experience to lead both types of personnel at the same time and therefore can relate with the theory’s approach.

The very essence of this theory is the leaders should change their decisions and responses according to the situation. This means that one common approach is not ideal for all situations. Now a day the management follows Current leadership theories. Those are interactional theory and transformational theory. Interactional theory relay upon the decision making ability of the leader and the situation of the case. The People in itself are complex in nature and their motives are changing from time to time. The leadership exchange or delegation of authority and responsibility involves a lot of variables such as personality, perceptions, and the skills and abilities of leader and the employee, as well as the probable changes in a specific situation. In Transformational leadership, it raises each person to a greater level of morality and motivation. The basic of this theory is Vision and environment. What the Transformational leaders do is to forecast the path of the upcoming events and guide others to attain this with a greater standard of performance.

There have been many theories about leadership and its styles, based among the relationships between human beings in which one or more persons exert a degree of influence that can lead others to conquer a common goal. It doesn’t matter what they say about leadership what really matter is how you see yourself as a leader, what impact have you left in your men, is it positive? Is it negative? What is your commander’s opinion about you? Have you thought about that before? Many questions to answer, don’t they? As military leaders and guidance for soldiers, we must demonstrate: endurance of character, competence, commitment, courage, patriotism, honor, wisdom, justice, integrity, faith, charisma, high standards of communication, discernment, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, high standards for problem-decision making, responsibility, security, self-discipline, dedication to service, be open to criticism and continuous improvement and many more. No matter

Contingency leadership theories attempt to define leadership style, the situation, and answer the if-then contingencies. Situational leadership theory is a contingency theory that focuses on followers’ readiness: the extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task. Path-goal theory states that it is the leader’s job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide direction or support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organization or group goals. Each theory was developed as a separate model for leaders to determine which leadership style to use in different contexts or situations. However, both models can be

Contingency theories have a different approach to leadership. In these cases, the leadership style seems to be evaluated in accordance with each situation. In other words, there is no correct or incorrect leadership style. The autocratic style is basically considered not efficient, but there are situations where this style is required in order to reach certain objectives. Power and influence theories are interested in analyzing how leaders use their power in order to reach their objectives (Lussier & Achua, pp. 152). In accordance with these theories, the most important types of positional power are represented by legitimate, reward, and coercive

The contingency theory is a theory that states that to be an effective leader we should rely on “not only on the style of leading but, on the control over a situation, so there needs to be a good leader-member relations” (“Fiedler 's Contingency Theory”, n.d., para. 3), and must have a task in mind with a clear procedure and goals, and the skill for rewards and punishments when needed. If these are not in the right combination and context in any way will result in failure for the leader. This theory in general state that effectiveness will depend on the nature of the task, situation, leader 's personality, make-up of the group being led, and the factors involved.

In this assignment, I have decided to describe and analyze the situational approach and contingency theories of leadership. As looked through various theories, I found the situational approach theory and the contingency theory to be particularly interesting. As the eldest sibling, I have always thought of myself as some type of “leader”, often making decisions and taking the initiative. As I grew older, I realized that there were situations where there were people better prepared for various challenges. Consequently, I found myself in leadership positions at different locations that ranged from church to a job held. As an example, I led a team of workers during a summer job at Walmart. Though I was not the appointed team leader, other co-workers sought for my advice and help with various tasks. Additionally, I have recently become the praise team leader at my church although the official title is held by someone else. On the other hand, I have held several positons (including my current teaching position) where I have found others to be much better prepared (physically and mentally) and in turn, I have sought for their leadership. Consequently, as I have matured, I have come to believe that leaders can arise from different backgrounds, experiences, settings, and beliefs and that a leader in one setting may not be able to lead in another.

2). According to the Situational Leadership Theory, leaders are effective when they select the right leadership style for the circumstances they contend. Specifically, this relies on the development for

The fundamental underpinning of the Situational Leadership Model is that there is no single "best" style of leadership. Effective leadership is task-relevant, and the most successful leaders are those who adapt their leadership style to the Performance Readiness (ability and willingness) of the individual or group they are attempting to lead or influence. Effective leadership varies, not only with the person or group that is being influenced, but it also depends on the task, job or function that needs to be accomplished.

The theories have somewhat different emphases regarding their basic arguments. Specifically, situational theory emphasizes leadership flexibility – leaders should find out about their subordinates’ maturity (job and psychological) and task characteristic and then adapt their styles accordingly (Hersey and Blanchard, 1982). In the contingency model, however, leader behaviors are much more consistent and less flexible. Leadership effectiveness is

Such theories are continuation of the situational approach to leadership. In these theories the factor of situation and behavioral aspects are taken into consideration. The leader’s appropriate behavior changes with situation. The favorableness of the situation depends on the leader’s interpretation and point of view.

Fielder’s contingency theory argues the effectiveness of a leader is contingent to leader ship style and the extent the leadership situation gives him or her influence and control over outcomes.