Introduction. In the article is given retrospective various theories of the origin of the phenomenon of leadership, analyzes various approaches to the development of leadership qualities, explains the relevance of the development of leadership qualities of adolescents. The purpose of the article is to investigate the evolution of the concept of the phenomenon of leadership for identifying the prerequisites for the development of leadership qualities of adolescents, to substantiate the dependence of the phenomenon of leadership on the level of development of civilization.

Materials and methods. The main research method was content analysis of regulatory documents, analysis of philosophical, pedagogical, psychological and sociological literature. During the research process, a historical-structural method was used to identify the problem of the development of the leadership phenomenon and its components. A constructive-genetic research method was also used, providing consideration of the problem of leadership theories and determining the stage of their genesis.

Results. Using the methods of theoretical and empirical scientific research, it was possible to identify the stages of development of the concept of “leadership” and its definition, to substantiate the need to develop leadership qualities in children and adolescents throughout the entire period of upbringing and education. In the course of the study, it was possible to identify approaches to the study and classification of leadership theories, substantiate various concepts of the origin of the phenomenon of leadership in the ideas of ancient philosophers, thinkers of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Enlightenment and their evolution in the 20th century.

Discussion. The need to understand the phenomenon of leadership by adolescents and their motivation to develop leadership qualities is dictated by the state policy of countries interested in the personnel potential of the younger generation. Understanding the basic ideas and concepts of the emergence of the phenomenon of leadership makes it possible to develop methods for developing these qualities in students of basic and additional education.

Conclusion. A retrospective analysis of the development of leadership theories showed that their key differences are related to the level of development of civilization. Throughout the development of pedagogical science, theories and approaches to the development of leadership qualities have changed. There has been an evolution in the classification of qualities necessary for a leader. We consider leadership as a set of leadership qualities that need to be cultivated and developed from a very young age throughout the entire process of educating the subject. The study, analysis and generalization of key theories of leadership, reviewed by domestic and foreign scientists, constitutes the scientific basis for the development of scientific and practical methods of leadership development.

The main theories of leadership are considered;

Patterns of evolution of the role of a leader with the level of development of society have been established;

The prerequisites for the development of leadership qualities of adolescents in the modern educational system have been identified.

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