Applied Leadership Theory, Essay Example

In the 20th century, interest in “Applied Leadership Theory” has increased because scientific world realized that the application of leadership theories could improve our business and personal life. The movie was an excellent example of the application of leadership theories which the lead character applied displaying the basic “Leadership Traits such as confidence, honesty and intelligence. The definition of Leadership Traits” is a set of characteristics of people that lead including their personality, personal traits, and their intellectual traits. In the second meeting, between psychologist meetings between Will Hunting and lead character Sean Maguire applied several applied leadership theories. The psychologist applied Situational Leadership, Relationship Leadership, Situational Leadership, and Traits Leadership Theory.

The best example of “Applied Leadership Theories” is the scene where the psychologist uses “Relationship Leadership Theory.” The psychologist utilizes the theories behind building and applying leadership theories that focused on participation of the troubled teen. According to Laguerre (2010), the applied leadership theories focus on the application of how leaders make decisions, particularly on issues such as participation of and delegation to followers. The relationship theory between the leader and the follower in application in the real business-counseling environment is applied with the belief that the development of relationships is tied to excellent leadership outcomes. The psychologist exhibited some leadership traits that allow him to reach an unreachable trouble teen. In one scene at the park on the bench, the psychologist Sean Maguire changed the scenery and leadership approach utilizing the application of “Situational Leadership.” The trouble teen Will Hunting was a genius that had the ability to destroy people with his ability to see human suffering. The psychologist did an excellent job applying different leadership theories such as the transformational leaders who changed his approach to meet the needs of Will Hunting. The traditional counseling setting on the coach approach was not working with Will Hunting, therefore, Sean Maguire applied situational leadership adapting to and changing based on the individual needs of Will Hunting.

Reference

Laguerre, J. C. (2010). Leadership be developed by applying leadership theories? : An examination of three theory-based approaches to leadership development” (2010). Honors Projects Overview. Paper 42. Retrieved April 2, 2015 from  http://digitalcommons.ric.edu/honors_projects/42