What type of leader are you?

Part 1. What is leadership?  What defines a true leader?  Are they born or is this a learned trait?  Perhaps effective leadership can result from both nature (i.e., innate talents) as well as nuture (i.e., acquired skills).

The "Great man" leaders are deemed heroic, mythic and destined to rise to leadership when needed as opposed to those who learned the traits. This style is exemplified by the late Steve Jobs. 

Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born and focuses on the actions of leaders. 

Participative theories vary in that  leaders retain the right to allow the input of others.  This is often called collaborative and is the kind of leadership style I use. 

Transactional theories focus on the role of supervision, organization and group performance. These theories base leadership on a system of rewards and punishments.  

Managerial theories are often used in business; when employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail, they are reprimanded or punished.  How often have you seen this in play where you work?

So where do you fit in?  Stay tuned for Part 2.