11 examples of leadership trait theory (2023) (2023)

OfTrait theory of leadershipstates that leaders are born with different personality traits that make them natural leaders. People who are born with certain characteristics then exhibit certain behaviors that make them leaders.

According to trait theory, you cannot learn to be a good leader. Great leaders are born with a set of traits that set them apart from the rest of the population. These qualities then propel them to greatness.

A born leader's personality profile includes several traits such as: adaptability, assertiveness, decisiveness, a high level of motivation, the ability to motivate others and self-confidence to name a few.

Definition of the trait theory of leadership

This view of leadership as a set of characteristics goes back to the work of Thomas CarlyleBig man-teori.

At the time, the most famous leaders were in the military or in politics, traditionally male-dominated fields. the 21st^stIn the 20th century, we could name many examples of great female leaders, such as Margaret Thatcher and Susan B. Anthony.

Trait theory research usually involved observing leaders and creating a catalog of their common traits. This led different researchers to create slightly different profiles and realize that not all leaders have the same characteristics.

Today's management approach is more situational and complex, taking into account the needs of a project and the characteristics of employees.

Examples of the trait theory of leadership

1. Inspirational

One of the most important qualities of a leader, described in the trait theory of leadership, has to do with the ability to inspire others.

The ability to deliver a pep talk that captures the attention of others and compels them to take action is a rare quality.

It is a skill that is composed of several traits commonly discussed in leadership trait theory, including confidence, charisma, and verbal communication. When these qualities come together, such as giving a speech in difficult times, it can be a wonderful experience for the witnesses.

There are several famous speeches that are often seen as good examples of uplifting and inspiring moments in history. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, a classic.

2. Highly motivated

Achievement motivation is the drive to complete tasks and have a sense of accomplishment. Some people are just moreintrinsically motivatedThan others. They possess an inner will to succeed that compels them to act and succeed.

When they fail, their resolve becomes even stronger. They are persistent and overcome failures because they are sure that success will come eventually.

According to the trait theory of leadership, leaders are highly ambitious, willing and able to put in a lot of effort to achieve their goals and approach each step of their journey to success with energy, passion and enthusiasm.

3. Adaptability and flexibility

The ability to change course when circumstances call for it is an important quality of effective leaders.

Projects or ventures of any kind rarely go exactly as planned. On the road to success, there will always be unexpected obstacles and even failures.

The ability to recognize when a change is needed and to admit that a mistake has been made are qualities that many lack. Some leaders find it difficult to admit a mistake and change their plan.

But almost all historical figures that scholars consider examples of great leaders demonstrate the ability to adapt and be flexible. They are not stubborn enough to let a project fail to save their pride. The goal has the highest priority, not protecting your own ego.

See also:Best adaptability for managers

4. Emotional intelligence

Although different scientists use slightly different terms such as B. emotional stability, equanimity or understanding of others, today we could classify these terms as emotional intelligence.

Competent leaders have the remarkable ability to avoid overreacting in urgent situations. They're just not that easy to fool. Even when a situation seems dire and everyone around them is under tremendous emotional strain, the great leader remains calm and collected.

You are able to focus on problem solving and the big picture, positioning yourself as a driving force for others to follow. In combination with their other properties, such asinterpersonaland communication skills, they are able to take on big challenges.

5. Determination

Another characteristic of true leaders, according to trait theory, is decisiveness. You have an extraordinary ability to handle any situation exactly as you should. This is especially true at times when the stakes are high and the consequences can be harmful.

While most people feel torn between several possible solutions to the same situations, it seems that a great leader instinctively knows what to do. They are very confident in their decisions and are able to articulate their merits to others in an extremely convincing manner.

This determination and clear understanding inspires confidence in others and compels them to follow suit.

6. Endurance

The ability to persevere is another admirable quality of a great leader. Some projects can be incredibly complex and even drag on for years.

There will undoubtedly be many failures and setbacks along the way. This can lead to the team losing motivation, experiencing burnout and even leaving some employees.

So persistence is very important. Overcoming obstacles requires determination and perseverance. It may happen that the team leader realizes that his original plans were wrong and has to go back to the drawing board. Additional training may be required, or the employment of outsiders whose opinions may differ widely.

There are many challenges, so it is absolutely essential to have a leader who can persevere.

7. Courage and determination

Since the early years of trait theory research focused mostly on the study of military leaders, it is not surprising that traits such as courage and determination were identified. Military leaders face life-or-death situations that have significant consequences.

The sovereignty of entire nations can be at stake. The pressure to surrender, change course or make peace when things look bleak can be intense and come from all sides.

The traits of courage and determination are exactly what you need to complete your commitment to the end. When utter failure and disaster threaten, truly great leaders persevere. This requires a level of courage and confidence that most of us simply do not have.

8. Reliability

For people to follow, they must have faith in leadership. You must be able to trust that what the manager says is true. There are many situations where a person in a leadership position cannot discuss a situation or a project completely openly.

Some details may have been omitted on purpose. The time frame may be shorter than originally stated or resource availability may not be as extensive as originally stated. When team members finally learn the true situation, they lose a great deal of trust in the leader.

This can be devastating to any project, no matter how big or small. Most people would rather follow a guide who tells them in advance how wrong it can get than be tricked and only find out the truth later.

9. Karisma

We all know when we talk to someonecharismatic authority. We can just feel it. You have a presence that is distinctly different from others.

We can feel charisma in the way someone who possesses it communicates. You speak with an expressive intonation, have excellent language skills and exude confidence without seeming arrogant or aloof. Their behavior while speaking is also different. Their demeanor and demeanor portray someone who knows exactly what they are talking about.

When we communicate with someone with charisma or listen to a speech they give, it just creates a completely different feeling in us. Your words can bring people to tears or inspire them to take action despite the risks involved.

10. Intelligence and problem solving skills

Managers must be intelligent and have excellent problem solving skills. It is not necessary to be a genius, but a high intellect is.

Every project brings with it numerous obstacles and unforeseen challenges. Any problem must be resolved in a timely and efficient manner. There can be many different opinions that the team offers different solutions.

It is up to the manager to make the final decision. Therefore, they must be able to identify the best course of action and take the necessary steps.

If a leader is not a competent problem solver, the project will fail and the team will lose confidence in the leader. But if the manager is alert and wise, he can devise and implement a solution that will move the project forward.

11. Take responsibility

A strong leader can take responsibility for his mistakes. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming others for failure, the leader recognizes their role and is willing to admit mistakes. This can be a rare trait among leaders.

Accepting guilt is difficult. Many people in leadership positions believe that because they are the leader, they must be perfect. Some may fear that admitting a mistake opens the door for subordinates to question their leadership or perhaps even take their stand.

However, a strong leader is not afraid of the people on his team. They also understand that admitting mistakes can actually build more confidence. A leader who accepts responsibility for failure creates a work environment that is open, honest, and encourages both risk-taking and creativity.

Diploma

Leadership theory attempts to identify specific personality traits that great leaders possess. According to the theory, some people are born with these traits, but most are not. These characteristics are reflected in behaviors that lead to success.

Although different researchers have established slightly different leadership profiles, there are many common characteristics, such as: B. Charismatic, highly motivated and the ability to inspire others. Great leaders have excellent problem-solving skills and can take responsibility for their mistakes. You are determined, courageous and tenacious to face formidable challenges.

While the beginnings of trait theory can be traced back to the "big man" theory, leadership skills are not limited to just half the population. Many great leaders in history have been women.

references

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Groves, KS(2006). Managers' emotional expressiveness, visionary leadership and organizational change.Magazine for management and organizational development27(7), 566-583. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730610692425

Judge, TA, Piccolo, RF, & Kosalka, T. (2009). The bright and dark sides of leadership traits: an overview and theoretical extension of the leadership traits paradigm.The Quarterly Guide,20(6), 855-875. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2009.09.004

management now. (2011, February). Ronald Regan on Leadership. Picked up from:https://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/2011/02/ronald_reagan_on_leadership.html

Spector, B. (2016).Carlyle, Freud and the Big Man Theory in more detail. management, 12(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1742715015571392

Stogdill, Ralph M. (1948). Personal factors associated with leadership: a review of the literature.Das Journal of Psychology, (25)1, 35-72. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.1948.9917362