HVCC Leadership Series: Contingency Theory of Leadership
For a long time, leadership was defined by a set of traits. Some claimed that one needed to be born with them; others believed they were something that could be taught and learned. It turns out Trait Theory in leadership is an oversimplification of what really goes on. Instead of a set of traits, modern-day theorists see leadership as a dynamic and actively changing mindset.
Contingency Theory, as an extension of the earlier Trait Theory, suggests that there is no singular trait that makes a good leader. A good leader must be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Contingency Theories open the door to people with all types of character traits and invite them to apply their skills and unique talents in leadership roles. In this lecture, we will explore the impact of post-trait theories and how they set the stage for the leadership approaches of today.