Leadership Theories and Models

Part 1: The Great Man Theory

The Great Man Theory is described as heroic people who demonstrate their charisma, knowledge, and wisdom throughout people’s lives. It is someone who has made a significant impact and is a leader who is not born, but made. 

During my senior year, a math teacher at my high school named Mr. Chet Garcia gave a talk in front of the entire school. His talk discussed how we do not have to school, but how we get to go to school. We are given so many opportunities that we do not even realize and that if you want to be a leader you have the chance to. I believe this idea goes back to the Great Man Theory because it demonstrates how we are not born leaders, but we can be made into leaders. This theory suits me because I would say I was made into a leader because of my parents, friends, and teachers. My parents have always demonstrated such incredible values and beliefs. My friends are people who have always been there for me and I have been there for them. My high school made me a leader because I had teachers who challenged and continued to push my limits. Mr. Garcia was a great man in my opinion because he always had a positive attitude. He was constantly showing his enthusiasm for life and would always make the best out of everyday. I have learned from his amazing wisdom and I believe that anyone can be made into a leader. 

Part 2: The Transformational Leadership Model

This model enriches the motivation to find one's sense of identity by acting as a role model in order to inspire others and take on a leadership role.During my senior year of high school, I joined our Campus Ministry group called LIFE-Emmaus. In this group, I lead several retreats where I acted as a role model for younger classmates who were sophomores and juniors. I took on the leadership role of giving a speech in front of them about my life's challenges. It was difficult to open up in front of so many people while they all stared at me. However, it was well worth it in the end because by the end of my speech several students came up to me and told me how much they looked up to me. This group I was a part of was one of my favorite high school experiences because of the friends I made and the lives I impacted. The picture describes our logo in which it is always important to keep our hearts on fire and to keep the passion alive.