A friend and I were discussing the variety of leadership theories. In textbooks we find most coverage is given to understanding leadership through traits, behaviors (Ohio State and Michigan studies of leadership from the 1950’s), and situations (Fiedler, Path-Goal Theory). In the most recent decades we find leader-member exchange (Graen) and transactional/transformation leadership. In my opinion all but transformational leadership are more management style. Transformational, authentic leadership and servant leadership come closer to my idea of real leadership.
Missing from our discussion was heroic leadership. In a 2013 article in Organizational Dynamics, Bill Cohen reviewed criticisms of heroic leadership, discussed his research, and concluded with principles of heroic leadership. I found his article to be thought-provoking.
Cohen argues heroic leadership is transformational leadership, “not transactional leadership.” It may involve followers participating in decision-making or not. It can be found across organizational structures from hierarchies to organic. The degree of “direct control” will vary with the situation. In what some may perceive as an anti-heroic age, there is still a need for heroic leaders.
What are heroic leaders? Here in his words are Cohen’s principles that mark heroic leaders:
Cohen, W. A. (2013). Peter Drucker wants you to be a heroic leader. Organizational Dynamics, 42, 70-80.
Image of statue of Washington by Peter Kaminski. Used with permission. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
Missing from our discussion was heroic leadership. In a 2013 article in Organizational Dynamics, Bill Cohen reviewed criticisms of heroic leadership, discussed his research, and concluded with principles of heroic leadership. I found his article to be thought-provoking.
Cohen argues heroic leadership is transformational leadership, “not transactional leadership.” It may involve followers participating in decision-making or not. It can be found across organizational structures from hierarchies to organic. The degree of “direct control” will vary with the situation. In what some may perceive as an anti-heroic age, there is still a need for heroic leaders.
What are heroic leaders? Here in his words are Cohen’s principles that mark heroic leaders:
- Maintain absolute integrity.
- Know your stuff.
- Declare your expectations.
- Show uncommon commitment.
- Expect positive results.
- Take care of your people.
- Put duty before self.
- Get out in front.
Cohen, W. A. (2013). Peter Drucker wants you to be a heroic leader. Organizational Dynamics, 42, 70-80.
Image of statue of Washington by Peter Kaminski. Used with permission. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
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