1.2 Use of Theories as a Manager

I think for a leader or manager theories are an important and useful tool.   As a manager we should use theories as a base and build upon them using our own experiences to create a strategy that will work for us. Of course, there is no "right" way to communicate or handle certain situations in an organization.  It is up to us as the manager to take existing theories for leadership, communication, decision making, organization, etc. and make it our own.  It seems that often managers think that they must use certain strategies to be a good manager; these strategies are often strictly based on theories or what they have seen others do.  What seems to be taken for granted is that each manager must have their own style to be effective. 

A good theory should consist of guidelines and ideas that can be easily interpreted and adapted based on the situation or domain. In this way a theory should be flexible and not rigid.  I also like how the book states that "theories and practice should be in conversation with one another."  I think that this supports the idea that theories should be flexible to allow for adaptation and revision.  A good manager will use a combination of theory, practice and experience to develop a successful leadership strategy that works for them.