Introduction to Leadership Theory Updated Mar 2016

Overview Leadership Basics Leadership vs. Management Course and Air Force definitions Leadership is both an art & science Leadership vs. Management Model – Interactional Framework for Analyzing Leadership AS 300 Course Overview Case Study

Leadership Basics Definition “Leadership is the art and science of motivating, influencing and directing Airmen to understand and accomplish the Air Force mission” (AF Doctrine, Vol II) Fundamental elements of leadership People (Airmen) Mission Leadership as an ART Leadership as a SCIENCE

Leadership Myths Truth: Innate factors interact with experience Myth #1: Leaders are born, not made. Truth: Innate factors interact with experience Myth #2: Good leadership is all common sense. Truth: What seems obvious after you know the results and what you would’ve predicted are not the same thing. Hindsight is always 20/20 Myth #3: The only school you learn leadership from is the School of Hard Knocks. Truth: Formal study provides a variety of ways of examining a leadership situation. Examining leadership from multiple perspectives is a skill in becoming a better leader

Leadership vs. Management Risk taking Dynamic Creative Change Visionary Value laden MANAGEMENT Efficiency Planning Paperwork Procedures Regulations Consistency “Two overlapping functions…although some functions performed by leaders and managers may be unique, there is an area of overlap…organizations need both to be successful.” (Hughes, Curphy, & Ginnett, 2002)

Interactional Framework for Analyzing Leadership Followers Situation Leadership is a process, not a person or position Leadership…a complex interaction; not easy to make broad generalizations about leadership Useful heuristic to analyze situations Use heuristic to organize leadership theories and research

Course Overview Leadership Overview Basic Skills in Leadership Leadership basics, AF Leadership, the Profession of Arms Basic Skills in Leadership Self assessment, effective communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving, management skills, follower role, team building, motivation, managing conflict, choosing best behaviors for given situations Military Relationships Professional/unprofessional, case study Advanced Skills in Leadership Effective supervision, counseling, authority, responsibility, accountability Ethics in Leadership Applying core values, ethics, law, joint ethics, supervision, putting it all together (capstone case study)

Summary Leadership Basics Leadership vs. Management Course and Air Force definitions Leadership is both an art & science Leadership vs. Management Model – Interactional Framework for Analyzing Leadership AS 300 Course Overview Case Study

“Freedom to do your best means nothing unless you’re willing to do your best.” Colin Powell