1. Introduction to Leadership Theory

2. Overview Leadership Basics Leadership vs. Management
Air Force definitions
Leadership is both an art & science
Leadership vs. Management
Model – Interactional Framework for Analyzing Leadership

3. 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

4. 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.
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

5. Leadership vs. Management
Risk taking
Dynamic
Creative
Change
Visionary
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)

6. 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

7. 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