How to Apply Different Leadership Theories in a School Setting

Leadership theories apply different methods of leadership with students and educators.

Leadership is important in a school setting not only to help direct the pursuit of a quality education, but also to help develop future leaders through the education system. Leadership theories provide a way for different styles of leadership to be applied, which focuses on defining and developing leadership based on the traits and behaviors of individuals as well as the environments and situations in the school setting. Find what leadership theories work best in your particular school setting by evaluating how the individuals in your classroom work together.

Instructions

1. Apply a few leadership theories per day within your school setting to determine what types of leadership will work best in your specific setting. For example, you can structure your application by testing leadership theories with individuals in the morning and then testing leadership theories with situations in the afternoon. This would be applying a "Contingency Theory" to see what will work best based on situational and group factors.

2. Continue to apply the leadership theories based upon what works best. The "Trait Theory" may work well if there are individuals in the school setting that have natural leadership qualities and will voluntarily lead groups in activities and discussions. The theory that leaders are not born but are made is known as a "Behavioral Theory," and can be applied in a school setting by allowing everyone to have a chance at being leaders in order to develop their skills.

3. Create situations where leadership can be developed, known as a "Situational Theory" where diverse styles of leadership can be applied to situations as they arise. See how students react when they are put in groups to work together, as well as when they are asked to lead the class in a discussion. Some students may exemplify a "Participative Theory," which is an ideal leadership style where leaders not only lead others but also encourage others to become leaders as well.

References

• True Leadership: Leadership Theories
• Be A Leader: Leadership Concepts and Resources