Leadership theories are overarching, well-researched, and reasonable assumptions about what makes a person a good [leader](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader). Theorists study different leadership styles and individual leaders to arrive at general hypotheses on the subject. Their leadership studies land on a panoply of differing conclusions, so studying a wide berth of these theories can help you form your own opinions. 
There are many different types of leaders, so it makes sense that there are also many different types of leadership theories. Here are just six:

1. __The behavioral theory of leadership__: The central premise of this leadership model is that anyone and everyone can hone effective [leadership skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained) by mimicking leader behavior. Rather than assuming people are innately born for leadership roles, behavioral leadership theory insists anyone can be a leader so long as they behave the way other leaders do. 
2. __The contingency theory of leadership__: Sometimes called situational leadership theory, this model suggests different leadership styles are necessary for different situations. If you adhere to situational theory, you assume the best leaders can adapt their style based on what any given contingency calls for. For instance, situational leaders should be able to transition seamlessly between laissez-faire and hands-on approaches depending on what their team members or employees most need in any specific circumstance.
3. __The great man theory of leadership__: Also known as the trait theory of leadership, the great man theory asserts that great leaders are born with all the right personality traits to attain position, power, and authority. It states that leadership abilities are yours from birth or not—and that’s just the way it is. Detractors of this theory believe it’s too autocratic in execution and unrealistic in its basic assumptions. 
4. __The relationship theory of leadership__: This participative leadership style revolves around treating so-called subordinates as equal team members essential to the decision-making process. As such, it’s sometimes known as [servant leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-servant-leader). Relationship theory emphasizes a collaborative work environment, diplomatic <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills, and democratic leadership overall. Under these assumptions, delegating to more competent group members is a surer sign of leadership than insisting on completing tasks yourself.
5. __The transactional theory of leadership__: This style of leadership—also known as management theory—is task-oriented and operates off the premise that effective leaders should treat their employees and team members transactionally. A transactional leadership approach means taking an authoritatively managerial stance by rewarding when someone meets a goal and penalizing when someone doesn’t. Some view this aspect of transactional exchange theory as counterproductive, while proponents say it’s tough but still a form of [effective leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/anna-wintours-tips-for-effective-leadership).
6. __The transformational theory of leadership__: Group performance is paramount in transformational leadership theory. Transformational leaders view themselves as the vehicle by which stakeholders and team members can pursue and enact a necessary change. Generally, [transformational leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation) focuses on achieving this goal through influence and inspiration rather than outright coercion.
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Geno Auriemma, Robin Roberts, Chris Voss, Sara Blakely, Daniel Pink, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.
Successful leaders come in all different varieties, and leadership researchers have set out to discern why that is. They ask questions about whether leaders are born that way or evolve by practicing skills; about the leadership styles that people prefer best; and so on, to arrive at useful and holistic leadership theories.

Successful leaders come in all different varieties, and leadership researchers have set out to discern why that is. They ask questions about whether leaders are born that way or evolve by practicing skills; about the leadership styles that people prefer best; and so on, to arrive at useful and holistic leadership theories.

6 Leadership Theories: The Traits of Different Leadership Styles

Leadership theories are overarching, well-researched, and reasonable assumptions about what makes a person a good <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader","linkCopy":"leader","category":null}'>leader</a>. Theorists study different leadership styles and individual leaders to arrive at general hypotheses on the subject. Their leadership studies land on a panoply of differing conclusions, so studying a wide berth of these theories can help you form your own opinions.

What Are Leadership Theories?

There are many different types of leaders, so it makes sense that there are also many different types of leadership theories. Here are just six:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. The behavioral theory of leadership: The central premise of this leadership model is that anyone and everyone can hone effective <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/leadership-skills-explained","linkCopy":"leadership skills","category":null}'>leadership skills</a> by mimicking leader behavior. Rather than assuming people are innately born for leadership roles, behavioral leadership theory insists anyone can be a leader so long as they behave the way other leaders do. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. The contingency theory of leadership: Sometimes called situational leadership theory, this model suggests different leadership styles are necessary for different situations. If you adhere to situational theory, you assume the best leaders can adapt their style based on what any given contingency calls for. For instance, situational leaders should be able to transition seamlessly between laissez-faire and hands-on approaches depending on what their team members or employees most need in any specific circumstance. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. The great man theory of leadership: Also known as the trait theory of leadership, the great man theory asserts that great leaders are born with all the right personality traits to attain position, power, and authority. It states that leadership abilities are yours from birth or not—and that’s just the way it is. Detractors of this theory believe it’s too autocratic in execution and unrealistic in its basic assumptions. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. The relationship theory of leadership: This participative leadership style revolves around treating so-called subordinates as equal team members essential to the decision-making process. As such, it’s sometimes known as <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-servant-leader' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-servant-leader","linkCopy":"servant leadership","category":null}'>servant leadership</a>. Relationship theory emphasizes a collaborative work environment, diplomatic <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills, and democratic leadership overall. Under these assumptions, delegating to more competent group members is a surer sign of leadership than insisting on completing tasks yourself. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. The transactional theory of leadership: This style of leadership—also known as management theory—is task-oriented and operates off the premise that effective leaders should treat their employees and team members transactionally. A transactional leadership approach means taking an authoritatively managerial stance by rewarding when someone meets a goal and penalizing when someone doesn’t. Some view this aspect of transactional exchange theory as counterproductive, while proponents say it’s tough but still a form of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/anna-wintours-tips-for-effective-leadership' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/anna-wintours-tips-for-effective-leadership","linkCopy":"effective leadership","category":null}'>effective leadership</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. The transformational theory of leadership: Group performance is paramount in transformational leadership theory. Transformational leaders view themselves as the vehicle by which stakeholders and team members can pursue and enact a necessary change. Generally, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-embrace-transformational-leadership-and-inspire-motivation","linkCopy":"transformational leadership","category":null}'>transformational leadership</a> focuses on achieving this goal through influence and inspiration rather than outright coercion. </li></ol>

6 Leadership Theories 

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Career?

Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Geno Auriemma, Robin Roberts, Chris Voss, Sara Blakely, Daniel Pink, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.

Want to Learn More About Business?

Successful leaders come in all different varieties, and leadership researchers have set out to discern why that is. They ask questions about whether leaders are born that way or evolve by practicing skills; about the leadership styles that people prefer best; and so on, to arrive at useful and holistic leadership theories.

Successful leaders come in all different varieties, and leadership researchers have set out to discern why that is. They ask questions about whether leaders are born that way or evolve by practicing skills; about the leadership styles that people prefer best; and so on, to arrive at useful and holistic leadership theories.
