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Leadership Theories

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Applying Leadership Theories
Dakisha Magee
Grand Canyon University: EDA 575
MAY 1, 2013

There are six proposed leadership styles that are considered suitable to use when making reference to educational leaders. The first style is that of the Directive Leadership. Directive leadership is used when there are conformities and time restraints. More often than none, the directive leadership style is used when the leader is the only one with the required knowledge to operate in the situation at hand. The next leadership style is that of Participative Leadership. Participative leadership is also used during time restraints. In this particular leadership style, the leader often gathers input from others, but makes the final decision. Another leadership style is that of Collaborative Leadership. This is the leadership style that’s most often used, and preferred by many educational leaders. The Collaborative leadership style has no time restraints, no true sense of urgency, and decisions are made as a group effort. Leaders are frequently developed from this said leadership style. Yet another known leadership style is that of Coaching Leadership. Coaching leadership exemplifies the mentor teacher role. This particular leadership is used when group efforts aren’t beneficial. When exercising the Coaching leadership style, the inferior performs leadership activities under the direct guidance of a superior with hopes of enhancing the skill level of the inferior to one day be operational as an independent leader.
The Affiliative Leadership style is often displayed when coaching and relationship building is the main tasks. The final, and rare style of leadership mentioned is that of Laissez-Faire. The only time this particular leadership style is displayed is when other’s skill level surpasses that of the leader.
Of the six leadership styles recognized in

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