Leadership involves a variety of learning experiences. Exceptional leaders are exceptional students. This essay reviews some of the current literature related to effective leadership in education with a special focus on Marzano's research on leadership “that works” (2005). Most definitions of leadership involve four elements including process – a transaction between leaders and followers, context – usually a group with a common purpose, influence – effect on the group, and goal attainment – ​​direction of influence (Northouse , 2004). Dr. Bernard Bass has published over 400 articles and written and edited nine books, all focused on leadership. Bass has developed a number of theories about how people become leaders. His trait theory states that certain personality traits can lead people naturally into leadership roles. Major event theory, on the other hand, states that a crisis or major event can cause a person to rise to the occasion and bring with them our extraordinary leadership qualities. Finally, transformational leadership theory states that people can choose to become leaders and learn leadership skills (Bass & Bass, 2008). There are many different leadership styles that have been identified by a multitude of researchers. This essay will define and explain three leadership styles. Authoritarian leadership is used when the leader tells his employees what he wants done and how he wants it done, without getting the advice of his team. Some of the appropriate conditions to use this style are when you have all the information available to solve the problem, time is limited, or employees are well motivated. A participatory style requires the leader to include one or more employees in the decision-making process (determining what… middle of paper… the management style should be appropriate for the order of magnitude of the change. Follow Marzano's suggestions for a Leadership that works has the potential to transform schools. These simple, straightforward strategies provide an explicit blueprint for effective leadership in schools today. Works Cited Bass, B.M., & Bass, R. (2008). 4th ed.).New York, New York: The Free Press.Marzano, R.J., Waters, T., & McNulty, B.A. (2005), VA. Leadership: Theory and Practice (3rd ed.. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.Pink, D.H. (2006). -brainers will rule the future (2nd ed.). London, England: Penguin Books Ltd.