S04E12 Are Leaders Born or Made? Exploring the Great Man Theory

Welcome back to Take the Leap Management—the podcast where we unpack the ideas, tools, and mindsets that shape the future of leadership. In today’s episode, we explore a model that flips traditional leadership on its head: Servant Leadership. What happens when leaders put people before power, and empathy before ego? From its roots in Robert Greenleaf’s philosophy to modern-day examples like Herb Kelleher and Cheryl Bachelder, we’ll dive into how servant leadership transforms teams, projects, and entire organizations. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and empower others to thrive—this one’s for you. Let’s take the leap.

Welcome back to Take the Leap Management, the podcast where we break down powerful leadership theories and management strategies that drive real results. Today, we’re diving into Transactional Leadership Theory—a classic but often misunderstood model built on structure, supervision, and clear expectations. While it may not be flashy or inspirational, this leadership style is essential in high-stakes environments where rules matter and consistency is key. From the military to healthcare to large-scale project portfolios, transactional leadership ensures that work gets done—on time, by the book, and with accountability. Let’s explore when structure outperforms inspiration—and why sometimes, following the rules is the smartest move a leader can make.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful leadership models in modern management: Transformational Leadership Theory. It’s more than a strategy—it’s a mindset. A way of leading that’s rooted in vision, inspiration, innovation, and purpose. From igniting creativity to driving meaningful change, transformational leaders don’t just guide—they empower, elevate, and spark movements. So buckle up. In this episode, we’ll unpack the theory, explore real-world examples, and discover how transformational leadership can redefine teams, projects, and entire organizations. Let’s take the leap.

Welcome to Take the Leap Management — the podcast where we explore leadership that adapts, evolves, and meets the moment. Today’s episode dives into Contingency Leadership Theory, a powerful reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leading people and projects. It’s not about having the “perfect” style—it’s about aligning leadership with context, challenges, and team dynamics. Whether you’re managing a crisis or fostering innovation, great leadership means knowing how to read the room—and lead accordingly.

Welcome to Take the Leap Management — the podcast where modern leadership meets real-world challenges. In every episode, we dive into the tools, theories, and strategies that help managers lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Today, we’re exploring a leadership approach that’s all about adaptability: Situational Leadership Theory. What if leadership wasn’t about having one perfect style, but about knowing when to direct, when to support, and when to step back? Let’s unpack how this flexible framework can transform the way you lead your team—and elevate your impact.

Leadership isn’t about who you are—it’s about what you do. In this episode of Take the Leap Management, we explore Behavioral Leadership Theory, a game-changing perspective that shifts leadership from innate traits to learned behaviors. Can leadership be taught? How do actions define great leaders? And what does this mean for organizations looking to develop leadership at all levels? Join us as we break down the key research, practical applications, and challenges of behavioral leadership, and discover how anyone can develop the skills to lead effectively. Let’s take the leap together!

In this episode of Take the Leap Management, we explore Trait Theory, a leadership model that suggests effective leaders share common, inherent traits such as intelligence, confidence, and integrity. But does possessing these traits guarantee success? Can leadership qualities be developed, or are they purely innate? Join us as we examine the strengths and limitations of Trait Theory, its impact on leadership selection, and what it really takes to lead with impact.

Are Leaders Born or Made? Exploring the Great Man Theory In this episode of Take the Leap Management, we dive into one of the earliest leadership theories—the Great Man Theory. This classic idea suggests that leaders are born, not made, and that certain individuals naturally possess the qualities required for leadership. But is leadership really an inherent trait, or can it be developed over time? We explore the origins of this theory, its influence on leadership thinking, and whether it still holds relevance in today’s world. Tune in as we challenge traditional assumptions and uncover what truly makes a great leader.

Join Take the Leap Management for an exciting deep dive into the world of leadership with our new podcast series on Leadership Theories. From classic models like the Great Man Theory and Trait Theory to modern approaches like Transformational Leadership and Servant Leadership, we explore what makes a leader truly effective. Each episode breaks down a key leadership theory, exploring its principles, real-world applications, and how you can use it to refine your own leadership style. Whether you’re leading a team, managing projects, or simply looking to grow as a leader, this series will provide the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to lead with confidence, adaptability, and impact. Subscribe now and take the leap into the future of leadership!

Welcome to Take the Leap Management, the podcast where we explore the future of project management. In this final episode of our AI in Portfolio Management series, we’re looking ahead—how will AI reshape the project management profession over the next decade? From autonomous project management systems to AI-driven decision intelligence, emerging technologies are set to transform the way we plan, execute, and lead projects. But what does that mean for project managers? How can we prepare for this shift, build trust in AI, and ensure we stay ahead in an AI-powered world? Join me as we explore the future of project management in the age of AI—what’s next, what’s changing, and how we can take the leap into the next era of innovation. Let’s get started!