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As I have explored the subject, a growing fascination has arisen regarding how many individuals have harnessed their inherent abilities to serve as conduits of unity and leadership. I have discerned a strong correlation between the unique gifts or talents possessed by these remarkable individuals and their distinctive behavior during their lifetimes. In this discourse, I aim to delve into the specific attributes required for the development of an extraordinary figure, a visionary capable of guiding their people, and the enduring significance they hold for humanity, whether grounded in reality or myth, given the enduring existence of this theory.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the Great-Man theory, it is essential to recognize that it is fundamentally a theory rooted in the concept of leadership.
But what exactly is leadership? Scholars have defined leadership as "the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task" (Northouse, 2018).
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In my personal perspective, leadership can be perceived as a means to an end, a specialized tool through which individuals gifted in interpersonal skills, whether acting alone or collectively, can command, guide, and lead a group of people toward the achievement of a shared goal by fostering trust and rapport with their subordinates.
The Great-Man theory of leadership, as articulated by Winston and Patterson (2006), posits that leaders inherently possess exceptional qualities that set them apart from others, including the capacity to capture the imagination and loyalty of the masses.
In essence, this theory contends that leaders are born, not made. Winston and Patterson (2006) further assert that "a leader achieves influence by humbly conveying a prophetic vision of the future," implying that effective leaders resonate with the beliefs and values of their followers in a manner that enables followers to comprehend and translate that vision into present-day actions.
Dr. Thomas Carlyle, a staunch advocate of this theory, believed that effective leaders were the result of a divine amalgamation of motivation and the right personality (Leadership Central, 2012). Under this perspective, figures such as Muhammad, Shakespeare, Luther, Rousseau, and Napoleon were deemed great-man leaders who undeniably left an indelible mark on history. However, other scholars, and I concur with their viewpoint, challenge this theory.
While Cherry (2012) offers an alternative definition, stating that the Great-Man theory seeks to explain the impact of remarkable individuals or heroes—individuals of great authority who, owing to their charisma, intelligence, and wisdom, have wielded their power in a way that left an enduring historical imprint—there exists a compelling counter-hypothesis, cited by Leadership Central (2012), which asserts that "the Great-Man theory is a nativist hypothesis of leadership." In this interpretation, leaders cannot be created but are instead inherently endowed with leadership abilities. Nonetheless, the notion of nativism in leadership is highly contestable, as leadership skills are, by definition, mutable and attainable through human interaction and an environment conducive to knowledge transfer.
Leadership Central (2012) emphasizes that "many life factors mold an individual's leadership abilities," a viewpoint I wholeheartedly endorse. Leaders are products of their respective societies, shaped by the era in which they live, rather than the reverse. Consider another example of a so-called great-man leader: John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a figure of global renown. While his exceptional leadership abilities are not disputed, the assertion that these abilities were solely a product of his innate qualities is far from convincing.
Although aspects such as upbringing, education, and life experiences may have influenced an individual's development, the ultimate responsibility for who they become rests squarely with the individual themselves. As Lapham's Quarterly (2012) articulates, an individual's background and circumstances may have influenced their initial state, but it is ultimately within their control to determine who they aspire to be. Other examples that challenge the nativist theory of leadership are rooted in Stephen R. Covey's concepts of paradigm shifts and rescripting. Covey (1989) defines a paradigm as an individual's perception, understanding, and interpretation of the world around them. A paradigm shift occurs when an individual gains new insights and understandings, thereby altering their way of thinking.
Anything has the potential to influence an individual's thinking, and individuals can actively engage in the process of rescripting their paradigms, illustrating that leadership need not be an innate trait but rather a skill that can be acquired through life experiences. Cherry (2012) contends that the term "Great Man" was employed because, at the time, leadership was predominantly perceived as a male attribute, particularly in the context of military leadership.
It is important to note that the Great-Man theory, as originally formulated, tended to overlook the potential for leadership among women. Historically, leadership was often associated with male figures, thus excluding women from consideration within this theory. However, this narrow perspective fails to acknowledge the inherent leadership abilities possessed by women. For instance, Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Britain and famously known as the "Iron Lady," is a prominent example of a female leader who left an indelible mark on her country and the world.
Another notable female leader is Oprah Winfrey, one of the world's wealthiest individuals and recognized as one of the most influential women globally. The omission of women from the purview of the Great-Man theory raises questions about whether the theory's proponents, such as Dr. Carlyle, were correct in their assessment, or if it was the societal context of their time that restricted women from emerging as great leaders.
It is worth reflecting on whether Dr. Carlyle and others who adhered to this theory were influenced by the prevailing gender biases of their era. Their failure to acknowledge the leadership potential of women underscores the limitations of the theory's perspective. It is evident that women, like men, have the capacity to lead effectively and shape the course of history. The exclusion of women from the Great-Man theory serves as a reminder of the biases that have historically permeated leadership discourse.
While the Great-Man theory tends to emphasize individual leadership, it is imperative to recognize that leadership can also manifest collectively. In my earlier definition of leadership, I asserted that it could be exercised either by an individual or a group of individuals working collaboratively. This perspective is aligned with the idea that leadership is not exclusively the domain of a single great man, as posited by Cawthon (1996).
Although it is true that, in many instances, organizations, nations, or institutions have a single individual at the helm, it is important to acknowledge that group leadership exists and can be highly impactful. An example of collective leadership can be found in the music group "The Beatles," which exemplified the capacity of a group to lead and influence millions of people. Their music and cultural impact extended far beyond their individual talents, demonstrating the power of collective leadership in the world of entertainment.
Moreover, collective leadership extends beyond the realm of entertainment. Numerous social and political movements have been led by groups rather than solitary figures. These movements have harnessed the collective wisdom, energy, and commitment of their members to effect significant change. An exemplar of this is the group "Invisible Children Inc.," a relatively small organization that has mobilized thousands of individuals to raise awareness about the crimes of Joseph Kony (ICU, 2012). The success of such collective efforts challenges the notion that leadership can only be exercised by a single great man.
As anthropologist Margaret Mead aptly put it, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" (Mead, 1970). This quote underscores the profound impact that collective leadership can have on society and dispels the myth that only individual great men can lead effectively.
It is important to recognize that the Great-Man theory of leadership, popularized in the 19th century but with roots dating back further, predominantly focused on men born into social positions that afforded them leadership roles, regardless of their actual abilities. In contemporary times, this perspective has undergone significant transformation. Society now places greater emphasis on an individual's capacity to lead, rather than their birthright or gender.
Today, leadership is regarded as a multifaceted skill that can be developed and refined through education, experience, and personal growth. Leaders are not solely products of innate qualities, but rather individuals who have cultivated their abilities over time. As Cawthon (1996) aptly states, "Individuals in every society possess varying degrees of energy, moral force, and intelligence, and whichever direction the masses may be influenced to follow, they are invariably led by the superior few."
In the modern corporate landscape, there is a growing recognition that leaders emerge from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Organizations seek leaders who possess a combination of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. These qualities are not exclusively innate but can be nurtured and developed through continuous learning and self-improvement. The belief that leadership is solely an innate trait has lost credibility in today's world.
Winston and Patterson (2006) note that an increasing number of leaders from various parts of the world are being cultivated, challenging the notion that leadership is the exclusive domain of a select few. This shift highlights the importance of education, mentorship, and experiential learning in leadership development. Leaders are now recognized as individuals who continuously enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving challenges of the contemporary world.
Leadership, as a skill set, is no longer confined to the traditional concept of a great man leading from the front. It encompasses a broader spectrum of individuals, both men and women, who contribute their unique talents and perspectives to guide organizations, communities, and nations. Leadership is not merely about adhering to a predetermined script but about re-scripting one's life through learning, self-improvement, and a commitment to positive influence.
In conclusion, the Great-Man theory of leadership, which posits that leaders are born and not made, has evolved significantly over time. While it once focused on male leaders born into privileged positions, it has since expanded to acknowledge the leadership potential of individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, irrespective of gender. The theory's original limitations in excluding women and underestimating the role of collective leadership have been challenged by the evolving perspective on leadership in contemporary society.
Today, leadership is recognized as a multifaceted skill that can be cultivated and refined through education, mentorship, and continuous self-improvement. Leaders are individuals who inspire trust, adapt to changing circumstances, and motivate others to achieve common goals. Leadership is no longer solely the domain of great men but encompasses a wide range of individuals who contribute their talents and insights to shape the course of organizations, communities, and nations.
Ultimately, the belief that leaders are born, not made, has lost credibility in today's world. Leadership is a dynamic and adaptable skill set that thrives on diversity and inclusivity. As individuals, we have the power to choose our path and shape our leadership abilities through lifelong learning and a commitment to positive influence. As the famous quote by Margaret Mead reminds us, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Leadership, in its diverse forms, continues to be a driving force for positive change in our ever-evolving society.
The Evolution of Leadership Theories: the Great-Man Theory. (2016, Dec 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/role-of-leadership-in-great-man-theory-essay
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