Great Man Theory of Leadership Explained [Thomas Carlyle] Six Hero Classes, Pros/Cons, Born Leaders

Summary

This video explores Great Man Theory, introduced by Thomas Carlyle in the 1840s, which posits that extraordinary individuals are born to be leaders, taking on various hero archetypes based on their circumstances. Carlyle identified six classes: Divinity, Prophet, Poet, Priest, King, and Man of Letters, each with unique traits. The theory, while historically significant, has been criticized for lacking scientific support and promoting the idea that leadership cannot be learned. Despite its simplicity appealing to some, modern leadership theories offer more effective frameworks for understanding leadership dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Great Man Theory posits that exceptional individuals are born to lead and shape history.
• 😀 Thomas Carlyle introduced this theory in the 1840s, categorizing leaders into six hero types.
• 😀 The six hero classes are: divinity, prophet, poet, priest, king, and man of letters.
• 😀 According to the theory, a great leader adapts their hero type based on their circumstances and the world around them.
• 😀 Characteristics of great leaders include charisma, the ability to bring order to chaos, and inherent traits suited for leadership.
• 😀 Historical examples illustrate how leaders like Napoleon exemplified the king hero by bringing order during tumultuous times.
• 😀 The poet hero, seen as a thinker and philosopher, represents a timeless archetype with figures like Shakespeare and Homer.
• 😀 The theory has been heavily criticized and lacks scientific backing, as it assumes leaders are born, not made.
• 😀 Despite its flaws, the Great Man Theory sparked significant debate on leadership in the 1800s.
• 😀 It's advisable to study the Great Man Theory for historical context, but contemporary leadership theories are generally more beneficial.

Q & A

What is the Great Man Theory of leadership?

The Great Man Theory posits that certain individuals are born as exceptional leaders and are destined to become great leaders regardless of their circumstances.

Who introduced the Great Man Theory and when?

Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish writer, philosopher, historian, and teacher, introduced the Great Man Theory in the 1840s through a series of lectures.

What are the six hero classes defined by the Great Man Theory?

The six hero classes are: divinity, prophet, poet, priest, king, and man of letters.

How does the Great Man Theory suggest that leaders emerge?

According to the theory, leaders emerge from their environments and circumstances, shaping their roles as leaders based on the settings they are born into.

What characteristics do great men possess according to the Great Man Theory?

Great men are characterized as charismatic, capable of bringing order to chaos, born with innate leadership traits, and able to choose from the six hero classes based on their circumstances.

What is the role of the 'divinity' hero class?

The 'divinity' hero class refers to figures seen as god-like or divine, primarily from ancient myths, and does not produce new examples in modern times.

Who are examples of prophet heroes in the Great Man Theory?

Examples of prophet heroes include religious figures like Jesus and Moses, who are seen as messengers or envoys of the divine.

What is the distinction between poet heroes and prophet heroes?

Poet heroes inspire and teach people what to love, while prophet heroes reveal what people should do.

What are some disadvantages of the Great Man Theory?

Disadvantages include the lack of scientific support for the theory, the assumption that leaders are born rather than made, and its oversimplification of leadership.

Why is the Great Man Theory considered historically significant despite its criticisms?

It sparked important discussions about leadership in the 1800s, contributing to the evolution of leadership theories, even though it has been largely debunked.