Tiffani Brandon-Brown Leadership Paper There are several approaches, or styles, to leadership that are supported by various theories.

Some leaders have a specific style, whereas others implement values or feelings from several leadership theories. Successful leaders can be honest regarding their own character and not have to presume drastically unusual roles when in a leadership position. A person's characteristics, traits, and actions normally do not have to be altered when assuming a leadership position This does not mean that talented leaders do not alter their leadership authority and approach, particularly when changes are needed. Ones leadership style should be rooted in their own set of values and behaviors as well as what they become skilled at from leadership training. Many religious leaders who are committed to social justice are strong on policy and procedure but weak on performance, heavy on doctrine but light on demeanor, big on assurance but little on actions, tall on principle but short on practice. Martin Luther King Jr. was not so limited. As a leader in the civil rights struggle, King was more than just the most prominent and articulate. His leadership characteristics, traits, and actions during his campaign for peace and justice is what prompted me to think of him as a leader. King was a leader who liked to include people when making decisions, a leading characteristic of the participative leadership style. He expected and encouraged people to offer input that would help him make the final decision. He often listened while others disputed, often heatedly and at great length, and then he would peacefully sum up the dispute and identify a way forward. Kings leadership style promoted individual commitment and increased moral. He elevated the spirits of the broken to heights never before seen, allowing them to take pride in their lives.

King permitted individuals to take an active part in the decision-making process. Doing so gave them a feeling of importance and worth, another characteristic of the participative leadership style. He was a leader who was aware of and sensitive to the needs of people. He made the demoralized feel that they were not alone. He gave hope to the underprivileged, friendship to the abandoned, understanding to the uninformed, and guidance to the misplaced. No one right way exists to lead or manage that suits all situations. King was also a situational leader. Depending upon the people and work he was confronted with, he often instinctively switched between styles. King typically adapted his way of leading based on the individual needs of each situation. There were some instances when he could simply present a mission to his team and allow them to handle things on their own. However, there were other instances when new developments required him to get out in the community with his team and physically involve himself with the details in order to get the job done. A successful leader is one who knows when to lead by agreement but is also selfassured in making decisive, autonomous decisions whenever and wherever suitable. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to adjust his leadership and decision making styles to various circumstances, times, and people. Doing so made him one of the most victorious leaders this world will ever know.