Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business
Lesson Topic: key leadership theories: trait, behavioural, contingency, power and influence and transformational
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify the core assumptions of trait, behavioural, contingency, power & influence, and transformational leadership theories.
  • Compare the strengths and limitations of each theory in business contexts.
  • Analyse how leaders can apply power bases and influence tactics to achieve organisational goals.
  • Evaluate the relevance of transformational leadership for fostering innovation and employee engagement.
  • Apply a situational diagnostic to select an appropriate leadership style for a given scenario.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides
  • Printed handout summarising each leadership theory
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Case study worksheets with leadership scenarios
  • PowerPoint presentation with theory diagrams
  • Sticky notes for group activity
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Which leader do you admire and why?” to link personal traits to leadership. Review prior knowledge of basic leadership definitions. Explain that by the end of the lesson students will be able to identify, compare and apply five key leadership theories.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write their admired leader on sticky notes and share examples of traits.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – Overview of the five theories with slide visuals, highlighting key traits, behaviours and power bases.
  3. Comparative analysis activity (10’) – In pairs, complete a comparison chart (strengths/limitations) using the handout.
  4. Power & influence role‑play (10’) – Groups act out scenarios using different power bases; peers identify the tactics employed.
  5. Case study application (15’) – Teams diagnose a business situation and recommend a leadership style using contingency models.
  6. Plenary (5’) – Whole‑class recap of main points, address questions, and link back to objectives.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each theory offers a distinct lens for understanding leadership effectiveness. Ask students to write one key takeaway on an exit ticket. Assign homework: read a short article on transformational leadership and prepare a brief reflection for the next class.