What is The Great Man Theory? The Great Man Theory In A Nutshell

The great man theory arose during the 19^th century thanks in part to historian Thomas Carlyle. The great man theory argues that great leaders are born and not made because they possess certain inherited traits.

Aspect	Explanation
Great Man Theory	The Great Man Theory, also known as the Great Person Theory, is a leadership theory that suggests that leadership traits and abilities are primarily innate and inherent, and that great leaders are born, not made.
Origin	The theory’s origins can be traced back to the 19th century, with historical figures like Thomas Carlyle advocating the idea that exceptional leaders possess unique qualities that set them apart from others.
Key Ideas	According to this theory, leaders are rare and exceptional individuals who possess a combination of inborn traits such as intelligence, charisma, courage, and decisiveness. These traits enable them to rise to leadership positions in various situations.
Critique	The Great Man Theory has been criticized for its lack of empirical evidence and its oversimplification of leadership. It does not take into account the role of context, environment, or learned behaviors in leadership development.
Gender Bias	Critics also argue that the theory has exhibited a gender bias, as many historical examples of “great men” exclude women leaders. This bias has led to a reevaluation of leadership theories to be more inclusive.
Evolution	Over time, leadership theories have evolved, shifting focus from inherent traits to leadership behaviors and situational factors. The Great Man Theory has largely been replaced by more complex and contextual leadership models.
Modern Views	Modern leadership theories emphasize the importance of learned skills, emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, and the ability to influence and inspire others, suggesting that leadership can be developed and is not solely based on innate traits.
Legacy	The Great Man Theory’s legacy can still be seen in popular culture and historical accounts that highlight the exceptional qualities of influential leaders such as political figures, military commanders, and industry pioneers.
Conclusion	While the Great Man Theory played a role in shaping early discussions on leadership, it is now considered a simplistic and outdated perspective. Contemporary leadership theories emphasize a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of leadership development.

Table of Contents

Understanding the great man theory

Carlyle suggested world history was nothing more than a collection of biographies belonging to powerful men – or heroes as he called them.

These men included Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, and Julius Caesar, among others.

Importantly, Carlyle believed these individuals were born with natural abilities and talents that made them effective leaders.

Early research into successful leadership appeared to support the theory.

At the time, many leaders were aristocrats who attained their status through birthright alone.

Individuals with less social status tended to receive fewer opportunities, which reinforced the idea that leadership was inherent and innate.

The great man theory is also based on the assumption that great leaders can arise when the need for leadership is great.

Essentially, the theory implies that individuals with power deserve to lead because of their unique set of inherited traits.

The six archetypes of the great man theory

Carlyle developed six archetypes of heroes according to their role in shaping history:

The divine hero

Or any leader perceived to be a God. Carlyle frequented mentioned figures in Greek and Norse mythology such as Odin, Thor, and Zeus.

The prophet hero

Or leaders considered to be an envoy or messenger for God.

Jesus and Moses are the most obvious examples.

The poet hero

Or heroes that transcend time, such as thinkers, warriors, politicians, and philosophers.

Carlyle saw William Shakespeare as the archetypal poet hero.

The priest hero

These are heroes seen as revolutionaries that change the status quo, such as Scottish theologian John Knox and German professor, author, and composer Martin Luther.

The king hero

Or commanders of loyal men who bring order to the world, such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Oliver Cromwell.

The man of letters hero

These inspiring leaders describe what man is capable of achieving using sincerity, genius, and originality.

Examples included writer Samuel Johnson and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Opposition to the great man theory

In his work entitled The Study of Sociology, sociologist Herbert Spencer argued leaders were the product of the society in which they lived.

Specifically, he suggested that:

“The genesis of a great man depends on the long series of complex influences which has produced the race in which he appears, and the social state into which that race has slowly grown.”

Critics of the great man theory also posit that simply possessing great leadership qualities does not guarantee great leadership.

If leadership was an inherent trait, then every person who possessed it should eventually find themselves in a position of power.

Today, common sense says that an individual needs ambition and drive to realize their full potential.

Modern leadership research has also challenged Carlyle’s original theory. While he believed that masculine traits were a good determinant of success, feminine traits have also been proven to be important.

Furthermore, leadership is now seen as more of a science that can be learned and nurtured.

Key takeaways

The great man theory argues that great leaders are born and not made because they possess certain inherited traits.
The great man theory was developed by historian Thomas Carlyle, who argued history was a collection of the biographies of powerful men. He called these men heroes and created six archetypes to categorize the leaders of his day.
The great man theory has been debunked by modern research. For one, an individual with leadership qualities will not become a leader without ambition. Furthermore, leadership is now considered a science that can be learned with a blend of masculine and feminine traits.

Examples

Historical Figures: As mentioned earlier, historical figures like Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, and Julius Caesar are often cited as examples of great leaders who are believed to have possessed innate leadership qualities.
Business Leaders: Some business leaders are often considered examples of the Great Man Theory in action. For instance, Steve Jobs is often described as a visionary leader with innate talents that drove the success of Apple Inc.
Political Leaders: Political figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt are sometimes seen through the lens of the Great Man Theory due to their leadership during critical times in history.
Military Commanders: Military leaders like General George Patton and Admiral Horatio Nelson are often portrayed as natural-born leaders who had an extraordinary impact on their respective fields.
Inspirational Speakers: Some individuals known for their charisma and ability to inspire others, such as Martin Luther King Jr., are seen as embodying the qualities associated with the Great Man Theory.
Entrepreneurs: Successful entrepreneurs who have built empires from scratch, like Elon Musk and Richard Branson, are sometimes viewed as having the innate qualities of great leaders.
Sports Coaches: Legendary sports coaches like Vince Lombardi and Phil Jackson are considered examples of great leaders in their respective sports due to their ability to motivate and lead teams to success.
Innovators: Inventors and innovators like Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein are sometimes viewed as great men who reshaped their fields through their unique abilities and contributions.
Cultural Icons: Figures like Shakespeare and Beethoven, who left a lasting cultural impact, can also be seen as fitting into the archetype of the Great Man Theory.
Critiques and Counterexamples: Scholars and critics who challenge the Great Man Theory, like Herbert Spencer, provide counterexamples by arguing that leaders are shaped by their societal and environmental contexts.
Modern Leadership Development: Today, leadership development programs often focus on identifying and nurturing leadership qualities in individuals, which is a departure from the idea that great leaders are solely born with innate traits.
Diversity in Leadership: The Great Man Theory’s focus on masculine traits has spurred discussions about the importance of diverse leadership styles and the inclusion of feminine leadership qualities in leadership theory and practice.

Key Highlights

The Great Man Theory: Developed by historian Thomas Carlyle in the 19th century, this theory argues that great leaders are born with inherent traits and talents that make them effective leaders.
Six Archetypes of Heroes: Carlyle categorized leaders into six archetypes based on their role in shaping history: the divine hero, the prophet hero, the poet hero, the priest hero, the king hero, and the man of letters hero.
Opposition to the Theory: Sociologist Herbert Spencer argued that leaders are products of their society and the complex influences that shaped it. Critics also point out that possessing leadership qualities doesn’t guarantee leadership, and modern research challenges the theory’s exclusive focus on masculine traits.
Leadership as a Science: Modern leadership research views leadership as a learned skill that can be nurtured and developed, incorporating both masculine and feminine traits.

Case Studies

Example	Description	Implications
George Washington	George Washington is often regarded as one of the founding fathers of the United States and is celebrated for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership qualities, such as integrity and resilience, are often attributed to his role as the first U.S. President.	– Washington’s leadership exemplifies the idea that exceptional leaders possess unique qualities that contribute to their success in pivotal historical moments.
Abraham Lincoln	Abraham Lincoln is revered for his leadership as the 16th President of the United States during the American Civil War. His eloquence, empathy, and commitment to justice are often cited as qualities that made him an exceptional leader.	– Lincoln’s leadership during a challenging period in American history highlights the notion that great leaders emerge in times of crisis and exhibit distinct traits that guide their actions.
Winston Churchill	Winston Churchill is celebrated for his leadership as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. His determination, courage, and ability to inspire the nation in the face of adversity are frequently mentioned as traits of a great leader.	– Churchill’s leadership demonstrates how individuals with exceptional qualities can shape the course of history and inspire collective action during critical moments.
Martin Luther King Jr.	Martin Luther King Jr. is renowned for his leadership in the American civil rights movement. His vision, charisma, and dedication to nonviolent activism are often cited as qualities that made him an exceptional leader and influencer.	– King’s leadership exemplifies how individuals with unique qualities can drive social change and inspire movements that challenge the status quo.
Nelson Mandela	Nelson Mandela is celebrated for his leadership in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and his role as the country’s first black President. His resilience, forgiveness, and vision for reconciliation are considered attributes of an exceptional leader.	– Mandela’s leadership underscores how individuals with extraordinary qualities can lead a nation through transitions and foster unity in the aftermath of conflict.
Mahatma Gandhi	Mahatma Gandhi is known for his leadership in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. His philosophy of nonviolence (Satyagraha) and commitment to justice and equality are considered exceptional leadership traits.	– Gandhi’s leadership illustrates how individuals with unwavering principles and a commitment to social change can inspire movements and effect transformative change.
Steve Jobs	Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., is often regarded as an iconic business leader. His innovation, vision, and attention to design aesthetics are seen as qualities that set him apart in the tech industry.	– Jobs’ leadership highlights the idea that exceptional leaders in the business world possess a combination of creativity, vision, and the ability to disrupt industries.
Elon Musk	Elon Musk, known for his roles in companies like SpaceX and Tesla, is recognized for his visionary leadership in the aerospace and electric vehicle industries. His ambition, innovation, and willingness to take risks are frequently cited as distinctive traits.	– Musk’s leadership demonstrates how individuals with unique qualities can push the boundaries of technological advancement and sustainability.
Oprah Winfrey	Oprah Winfrey is celebrated for her influential leadership in the media and entertainment industry. Her ability to connect with audiences, empathy, and commitment to social issues are seen as exceptional leadership attributes.	– Winfrey’s leadership showcases how individuals with exceptional communication skills and a platform can drive positive change and inspire others.
Albert Einstein	Albert Einstein is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics. His creativity, intellectual curiosity, and ability to challenge conventional thinking are considered traits of an extraordinary mind and leader in the field of science.	– Einstein’s leadership in the realm of scientific discovery underscores how exceptional individuals can reshape our understanding of the universe.

Related Concepts	Description	When to Apply
Great Man Theory	Great Man Theory is a leadership theory that suggests leaders are born with inherent traits and qualities that distinguish them from others and enable them to influence and inspire followers. According to this theory, great leaders possess characteristics such as intelligence, charisma, vision, courage, and decisiveness, which allow them to rise to prominence and lead others to achieve extraordinary feats. Great Man Theory emphasizes the role of individual leaders in shaping history and driving societal change.	– When discussing leadership development or historical analysis. – Particularly in understanding leadership attributes, styles, and effectiveness, and in exploring techniques to identify and cultivate leadership potential, assess leadership impact, and inspire others to lead and achieve greatness in their personal and professional lives.
Trait Theory of Leadership	Trait Theory of Leadership is a leadership theory that focuses on identifying and analyzing the personal characteristics and attributes associated with effective leadership. It suggests that certain traits, such as intelligence, confidence, integrity, sociability, and emotional intelligence, are inherent to successful leaders and distinguish them from non-leaders. Trait theory seeks to identify the key traits that contribute to leadership effectiveness and predict leadership emergence and performance across different contexts and cultures.	– When selecting leaders or assessing leadership potential. – Particularly in understanding leadership traits, behaviors, and performance, and in exploring techniques to assess individual characteristics, such as personality assessments, behavioral interviews, and 360-degree feedback, to identify leadership strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities, and to make informed decisions about leadership selection, development, and succession planning.
Transformational Leadership	Transformational Leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve higher levels of performance and personal growth. It involves visionary leadership, charisma, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and inspirational motivation to empower and engage followers in pursuing shared goals and visions. Transformational leaders foster innovation, creativity, and organizational change, creating a positive impact on individuals and organizations.	– When leading change initiatives or building high-performing teams. – Particularly in understanding leadership behaviors, attitudes, and impacts, and in exploring techniques to develop transformational leadership skills, such as coaching, mentorship, and role modeling, to inspire and empower followers, foster collaboration and innovation, and drive organizational excellence and sustainability in dynamic and competitive environments.
Transactional Leadership	Transactional Leadership is a leadership style that focuses on establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations and using rewards and punishments to motivate and manage followers’ behavior. It involves contingent reinforcement, transactional exchanges, and performance management to achieve organizational goals and maintain stability and order. Transactional leaders emphasize task completion, compliance, and adherence to rules and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.	– When managing routine tasks or maintaining organizational control. – Particularly in understanding leadership structures, processes, and outcomes, and in exploring techniques to implement transactional leadership practices, such as goal setting, performance monitoring, and reward systems, to clarify expectations, incentivize performance, and maintain accountability and discipline in achieving short-term objectives and operational targets.
Situational Leadership	Situational Leadership is a leadership model that emphasizes adapting leadership styles and behaviors to the specific needs and readiness levels of followers and situational contexts. It involves assessing follower capabilities, task requirements, and situational factors to determine the most appropriate leadership approach, ranging from directive leadership to supportive leadership, coaching, or delegating, to effectively influence and guide followers toward goal attainment. Situational leaders flexibly adjust their leadership style to match changing circumstances and follower development levels.	– When leading diverse teams or managing complex projects. – Particularly in understanding leadership flexibility, adaptability, and effectiveness, and in exploring techniques to apply situational leadership principles, such as situational analysis, follower development assessments, and leadership style matching, to tailor leadership behaviors and strategies to fit different situations, challenges, and follower needs, and to optimize performance and achieve desired outcomes in dynamic and uncertain environments.
Charismatic Leadership	Charismatic Leadership is a leadership style characterized by an individual’s ability to inspire and influence others through their personal charm, charisma, and vision. Charismatic leaders exhibit confidence, passion, enthusiasm, and persuasive communication skills that attract followers and mobilize them toward shared goals and aspirations. They often possess a magnetic personality and visionary outlook that captivates and motivates others to support their cause and follow their lead.	– When building organizational culture or leading change initiatives. – Particularly in understanding leadership influence, inspiration, and impact, and in exploring techniques to develop charismatic leadership qualities, such as storytelling, vision casting, and relationship building, to engage and energize followers, build trust and commitment, and foster a positive organizational culture and climate conducive to innovation, growth, and success.
Authentic Leadership	Authentic Leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes being true to oneself, displaying integrity, transparency, and self-awareness, and aligning actions with values and principles. Authentic leaders build trust, credibility, and followership by demonstrating genuine intentions, ethical conduct, and emotional intelligence in their interactions and decision-making. They foster open communication, collaboration, and personal growth, creating an environment of authenticity and empowerment.	– When building trust or navigating ethical dilemmas. – Particularly in understanding leadership authenticity, integrity, and impact, and in exploring techniques to develop authentic leadership qualities, such as self-reflection, values clarification, and mindful leadership practices, to build meaningful relationships, inspire followership, and foster ethical conduct and social responsibility in individuals and organizations.
Servant Leadership	Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy that prioritizes serving others’ needs, promoting their welfare, and facilitating their growth and development. It involves humility, empathy, listening, and stewardship, as well as empowering and enabling followers to reach their full potential. Servant leaders focus on building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of service and empowerment that enhances individual and organizational effectiveness.	– When building inclusive cultures or empowering teams. – Particularly in understanding leadership humility, empathy, and impact, and in exploring techniques to practice servant leadership principles, such as active listening, empathy mapping, and empowerment coaching, to support and develop others, build high-performing teams, and create a values-driven organizational culture that prioritizes employee well-being and collective success.