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The Evolution of Leadership Theory

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the Evolution of Leadership Theory

Ever since the beginning of human history, the need for an individual who could carry more than his share of the weight, possessing some kind of quality that made others try to be like them, has been essential for any sort of development or survival. A person who could lead the others, inspire others. This is defined as leadership.

From the earliest of times, when humans were first beginning to evolve, life was based on mainly 3 things: food, shelter, and reproduction. In these times, the tendencies of human nature were demonstrated; a species of compassionate, social and selfish organisms. Now survival was always the main priority for humans, and humans learned that living and working together greatly increased their chances at being successful. Understanding the concept of cooperation, humans also discovered the need for an exceptional type of person to lead and guide the people, using their expertise to the advantage of the survival of their tribe. For early human life, a chief or king would be established, based on certain skill sets and qualities that gave the person an advantage and desirability to be regarded as a leader. Strength, skill and abilities would often be the deciding factor for a leader. Throughout history, up until around the 19th century, industrialization and technologic advances in machinery and factories began to take place. But from before then, in most social groups like tribes, kingdoms and countries, leaders were generally applicable only to political and military persons. The history of the world is one of war and fighting, where a leader would be a man who would be a great warrior, tactician, or strategist. This period of time can be described as an era with inclination towards personality and greatness in respect to leadership.

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