Leadership studies focus on what makes great leaders and understanding the psychology of a leader.

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Leadership studies focus on what makes great leaders and understanding the psychology of a leader. The infamous leaders often lead by example or have famous quotes and pep speeches, and this is what they will be known for. Each of the leadership theories either deals with traits or behaviors which are classified by personality versus observable behaviors (Cox, 2012). On this scale are specific or more universal behaviors that make up the major personality theories that makeup what goes into a great leader, and these are trait theory, behavior theories, Fiedler’s contingency theory, and situation-specific behavior theories. Fiedler would study the personality traits that were situation specific which remain relatively constant throughout life, while the situation-specific behavior theorists emphasized behavior that changes from situation to situation (Cox,2012). I haven’t personally experienced any of these leadership skills in athletics, but I have definitely observed some of these patterns in my work in school life. The situation-specific behavior path-goal theory was the most effective for me. My favorite thing about this theory is that the emphasis is placed on the athlete or employee in my case and the coach or manager provides the tools to help athletes and employees to reach their short-term and long-term goals (Cox, 2012). The least effective theory for me would be the universal trait theory or “great man” theory since it emphasized the traits needed to be a great leader (Cox,2012). In my experience leaders in this position can tend to be overqualified or even a bit full of themselves since they can come into the mindset of being born for the role. I believe if I was a leader I would use the universal behavior theory as a transformational leader. My reason for this is that behaviors can be taught, and leaders in this position learn how to react best in certain situations with an emphasis on the individual or athlete (Cox, 2012).