The Great Man Leadership Theory

Once used as not only a leadership theory but also a broader historical-anthropological model, the great man theory of leadership attempts to reduce all leadership talents down to one source of origin.  According to this framework, some people enter the world in possession ready for leadership, having greatness already within them in the form of inborn traits.  On this model these traits are viewed as the sole way that great leaders can have their talents.

This concept was initially called the great man theory because of cultural constructs viewing leadership as a male behavior, though someone could change the title to great person theory and retain the theory while extending it to both men and women.  Even without the original sexist overtones, however, it remains an asinine theory.  This residual stupidity of the idea, even in its non-sexist form, lies in the fact that instead of acknowledging that inborn traits do not account for all leadership ability while still focusing on them, the great person theory treats these traits as if they can never be obtained for the first time throughout one's life experiences.  Focusing on something is very different than denying that anything at all besides that thing can account for some truth.

The great man/person theory is undermined by its position that leaders do not develop skills over time, but instead can only be born with the traits that enable quality leadership.  While a person could certainly be born with specific traits that facilitate leadership--like intelligence, friendliness, or communicative ability--this certainly does not mean that no one can be born without them and acquire and develop them over time.  Personality has two ways of coming about.  The first is through natural predisposition, which the great person theory holds up as the exclusive way leadership skills appear, and the other is through the events of one's life.  Either avenue can prove instrumental in the leadership talent of an individual.  Some people might rely on only one for their skills, but some could also benefit from both.  Only out of ignorance or stupidity would someone insist that only one or the other can be responsible for producing great leaders.

Whether in the church, the business world, politics, or society at large, people need not think that they will never be fit for leading others because they did not happen to have certain traits from birth.  Human personality can be significantly shaped by experiences, and this means that even people who are in no way fit to lead can grow beyond their current states.  People do not have to feel confined with whatever traits they have at the present moment.  They can develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and come to a greater understanding of skills they do possess due to inborn personality characteristics.  Natural talents and acquired skills can both account for the success of a leader.