Week Two

Just as our society and culture have changed and evolved so has leadership. From the very beginning of time there has been some form of leadership taking place helping people survive. As people have formed civilizations and eventually states some leader has been in charge making this happen. With each era leadership is defined based on social and cultural context of society. The history of leadership begins with tribal leadership. Tribal leadership is primarily constitutes a strong, fierce leader that had proven themselves to their tribe in terms of strength. This person must win over the tribe with their size, agility, and strength. Their appearance and expert abilities give them the respect of their people. Sometimes tribal leaders are given their position of power based on their family being in power. Tribal leadership needs leaders that are skilled in helping the tribe survive and stay safe. The Pre-Classical leadership delved into the era of kings and queens. Fear of the afterlife gave religious functionaries power over the common people. People were becoming very religious and afraid of being punished by God for sinning. Religious functionaries began to assert power from this fear of the afterlife. People looked to Priests and the Church for guidance. In some societies kings were said to have a special connection the Gods, which gave them the ability to guide the people to do their bidding in order to please the Gods. In the reading it talks about how the king was the hero that we could surrender are wills to and he would keep us safe. He was the true, honest, able man we could put our faith into and know we are in good hands. People during the pre-classical era needed someone to guide them and tell them what to do. It makes sense that the king’s subjects would be so loyal to their king and see him as some kind of prophet. Males were the dominant leaders in both eras. In the reading it talks about how a good leader must put the well being of others before themselves to enhance self. By putting others before you, you become a more effective leader.

            Classical leadership was defined by making a profit and economic stability. The followers were seen as inefficient on their own and unable to make decisions for themselves. The leader saw himself as the ultimate authority. People during this time period were concerned more about making money. A direct example of this is in the business world where leaders of major corporations needed to make profit. Leadership resorted back to the followers being dependent on the leader for direction. The employees now had to depend on their bosses to help them achieve financial stability. Progressive leadership came about with economic stability no longer being the main concern, but rather producing quality. Business leaders were now financially secure, but needed to change their tactics to stay in the game. Their employees now wanted more decision making power.