The leadership style used by managers should depend on the type of personnel within a company. Different situations require different approaches and skills. It is wrong to say that there is a best leadership style that can be applied jointly to all subordinates. Mullin's Seventh Edition Textbook defines leadership as "a relationship through which a person influences the behavior or actions of other people." Boot et al (1977) refer to it as “one of the most fundamental aspects of management”. Proof that there is no single leadership style lies in the number of leadership theories that exist in today's society. From contingency theories to transformational theories, whether a business is run in an autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire structure depends on the culture, structure, and task of the specific organization. I will use Marks and Spencer to illustrate leadership concepts, exploring the idea that there is no single leadership style. Marks and Spencer, listed as one of the 'Most Admired Companies in the UK', was once considered a trusted, growing organization and is the benchmark against which many companies compare themselves. However, Marks and Spencer's long-term success did not last, as "the company saw sales stagnate, profits collapse and market share fall" Mellahi et al (2002). The company needed to introduce a new strategy for the future. So, with a new chairman, Peter Salsbury, overseas branch closures and a division of roles, Marks and Spencer took its first steps towards recovery. Marks and Spencer's previous Path-Objective approach to leadership meant that "the company had not changed its visions and objectives for almost half a century" MacMillan and Tampoe (2002).... ... middle of paper..... . and is affected by a group of followers. This may be related to Hersey and Blanchard's “follower maturity” theory, as we will see later. Whitehead states that “you don’t have to be a boss to be a leader.” As long as you possess the qualities necessary for effective leadership, these skills will have a positive impact on the group of those who follow you. Whether this theory should be used within a specific organization depends on the particular circumstances in question. It is the situational approach to leadership that is most important when considering the statement in question. It focuses on the importance of the situation in relation to which the leadership approach should be used. This is the main factor that will influence the leadership style for success. Despite this, some leaders who possess all the skills desired to become an effective leader may not perform well...