Theories in Action #1: Proximate & Transformational Theory of Leadership

TaketheFight (TTF) was created by a father-son duo, who were inspired to beat cancer and help others do the same through a new, innovative “fighting” attitude. Both the father (cancer) and son (sudden accident) tragically passed away, leaving the organization in the hands of others. Bonny, the CEO of the Richmond Chapter, and other volunteers in high-level positions within TTF, emerged as leaders because they needed to step up and take the reigns after the father and son’s passing. The situational context helped create their leadership role. Although they definitely did not expect to assume such an important leadership role so suddenly, the CEOs and other staff members needed to use their passion, vision and experience to keep TTF alive.

The Proximate Theory of Leadership explains why and how the leaders of this organization may have landed in the positions they are in. However, the traits that they have makes them suitable for the roles they took on. To work for TTF, especially given it is all volunteer-based, that person needs to be driven to create change, have a passion for helping others, and a very strong work ethic given they are not being paid or compensated in any way.  Bonny, especially, has these characteristics given she is creating the Richmond Chapter on her own, without the guidance of the founders, and all on her own. There is one fellow that assists her, in addition to another intern and myself, but that is it in terms of staff.

Given how driven and motivated Bonny must be (and is), she displays her leadership in a very transformational way. The mission of the organization requires compassion and dedication from its volunteers, and this is something that cannot be measured through rewards and punishments, and Bonny knows this. She does a great job of leading by example and meeting us where we are with our ideas in order to create this chapter of TTF here in Richmond.