The Evolution of Leadership

Brody Tate, M.Ed.

Manager of New Student Programs
Columbia College Chicago
What is your personal
definition of leadership?
You don’t know where you are
going, until you know where
you’ve been …
Great Man Theory
● Assumes that the capacity for leadership is inherent – great leaders are born, not made
● Great leaders were heroic, mythic, and destined to rise to leadership when needed
● The term “Great Man” was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily
as a male quality
Trait Theory
● Assumes people inherit certain traits that make them better suited to leadership
● Often identify personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders
Behavioral Theory
● Based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born
● There is one best way to lead
● Focuses on the actions of leaders, not on mental qualities or internal states
● People can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation
Situational Theory
● Proposes that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variables
● Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-
making
● You never know who may emerge as a leader given the circumstances presented
 Social Change Model
● The model is inclusive in that it is
designed to enhance the leadership
qualities of ALL
● Leadership is viewed as a process
and NOT a position
● Promotes the values of equity,
social justice, self-knowledge,
personal empowerment,
collaboration, citizenship, and
service
Why is Social Change so important?
● Uses the strengths and qualities of each individual
● Acknowledges that working with others to make change is powerful
● Designed to make a better world and tackle our world’s toughest issues

Goals of the Social Change Model

Self Knowledge – Understanding one’s talents, values,
and interests, especially as these relate to the
student’s capacity to provide effective leadership

Leadership Competence – The capacity to mobilize

oneself and others to serve and to work
collaboratively
 Perspectives of the Social Change Model
The Individual – What personal qualities are you attempting to
develop as a leader?

The Group – How can the collaborative leadership

development process be designed not only to facilitate your
development, but also to effect positive social change?

The Community / Society – Toward what social ends is your

leadership development activity directed? What kinds of
service activities are most effective in energizing the group
and in developing the personal qualities you want?
 The Individual
Consciousness of self and others through self-reflection
means being aware of the values, emotions, attitudes, and
beliefs that motivate one to take action, including how one
understands others.

Commitment implies intensity and duration. It requires a

significant involvement and investment of one’s self in the
activity and its intended outcomes. It is the energy that
drives the collective effort.

Congruence means thinking, feeling and behaving with

consistency, genuineness, authenticity, and honesty toward
others.
ALWAYS
SOMETIMES
NEVER
The Group
Collaboration increases group effectiveness because it
capitalizes on the multiple talents and perspectives of each
group member, using the power of that diversity to
generate creative solutions and actions.

Common purpose develops when people work with others

within a shared set of aims and values.

Controversy with civility recognizes two fundamental

realities of any group effort: first, that differences in
viewpoint are inevitable and valuable, and, second, that
such differences must be aired openly and with respect
and courtesy.
Controversy v. Conflict-
Conflict with Civility
The Community/ Society
Citizenship names the process whereby the self is responsibly connected to the environment and
the community. It acknowledges the interdependence of all involved in the leadership effort.
Citizenship thus recognizes that effective democracy requires individual responsibility as well as
individual rights.

Change… and how we get there.

Discussion 1: What is greatness in a leader?
Who are the people you see as leaders?

________________________________________________________

Break into small groups or with your neighbors

Staff may wander around and join your conversation

Remember: Controversy with civility

You have 5 minutes to discuss the following prompt

Was Hitler a great leader? Why or why not?
 Discussion 2: How do we create social change?
What is a current social issue you’re aware of that you could take action
toward Social Change in your daily life today?

How, if at all, has your personal definition of leadership changed throughout

this presentation?
 Final
Questions?
Komives, S.R., Wagner, W.E., (2016) Leadership for a Better World: Understanding to
Social Change Model of Leadership Development. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.