Leadership has been described as a “complex process having multiple dimensions” (Northouse, 2013). Over the past 60 years, scholars and practitioners have introduced a vast amount of leadership models and theories to explain this complex field and examine its many perspectives. Numerous leadership theories and models have attempted to define what makes a leader effective. From the early 1900s, the trait paradigm dominated leadership literature, focusing on inherited traits of leaders and suggesting that “leaders are born, not made”. However, during the 1950s, the trait approach lost enthusiasm as focus shifted to the behavior of leaders. Similar to the trait theory, the behavioral paradigm was based on general effective leadership behaviors
Finally, in spite of lack of agreement on a complete list of leadership traits, there is some agreement on a few: intelligence, social maturity and breadth, inner motivation and achievement drives, and human relations attitudes. These traits are in no sense “universal” traits. However, as Keith Davis notes in his discussion of these traits, “Studies show that there is a better than chance probability that a leader will have more of these traits than the general population and sometimes even more than the average of his followers”.
My research provided an opportunity to review and identify different elements of leading from previous studies. As I begin my review, I find myself rediscovering essential qualities of successful leadership. The author provides a very interesting case study that depicts the importance of people skills, (Bennis, 2009). In order to be an effective leader you must be able to relate to others through open communication, (Bennis, 2009). A leader needs to be approachable and personable in their actions. The case study provided an example of a leader that lacked people skills. He had been mentored in an environment that was not conducive to team building, (Bennis, 2009). His leadership approach was to be direct and demanding centered on productivity
Skills are a basic requirement, but traits are essential in leadership. Traits are unique in defining an individual’s character. A combination of strong skills and traits that include emotional intelligence and knowledge of leadership behaviors become critical factors for a leader to lead effectively. It is important for a leader to possess “effective managerial skills at some level” (Kreitner 465). On the other hand, a leader will be equipped to turn a “…vision into actionable items and successful implementation” (465) by possessing traits that are needed to achieve results.
Exemplary leaders have a profound and positive influence on the commitment and performance of their followers. In order to achieve and sustain success exemplary leaders have to effectively communicate a clear vision, cultivate a team environment and establish cooperative goals. Coach Boone displayed several actions and behaviors that represent The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.
Leaders posses a variety of personality traits, but there are only a few traits that define a great leader.
Leadership is a complex process with many different approaches. This is a summary of the leadership literature including the pros and cons of each approach. The trait approach implies successful leaders are born with those traits. This theory focuses on identifying certain traits that make people great leaders. Some of the major leadership traits identified in the trait approach are intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and social ability. There are many advantages to the trait approach. “First, it is intuitively appealing because it fits clearly into the popular idea that leaders are special people who are out front, leading ...
Imagine being in a working environment where your flaws are never at the fore front. Imagine being a part of a team that values the strengths of each person, and practices the know how to move quickly from storming to norming in the teamwork cycle. Is this a reality that will produce results for all involved? Is there every such a style? To answer these questions, it is important to look at what leadership theory currently causing success in the professional world. One theory is called Strengths Based Leadership, or positive psychology. This concept is gaining a following; starting with the father of positive leadership, Donald Clifton. Still questions linger if this concept of using person strengths improves their leadership
The main component of an organization is people. A team of people work together to achieve the common goal of the organization. For an organization to operate successfully it must have a vision, policies, procedures and governance. Each of these four items are determined, implemented and overseen by the leaders of the organization. Leadership is an important part of each phase of an organization beginning with the start of the organization and continuing until the disbanding of the organization. Since leadership of an organization has a strong impact on every organization it is often researched in the study of organizational behavior (OB) (Kreitner & Kinick, 2014).
Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2010). Leadership strengths. Leadership Excellence, 27(1), 9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/204624934
Positive leaders have an image, a sense, and a reason. They understand and are able to articulate, trust in, and breathe a comprehensible idea or visualization. Purpose requires them to concentrate on long-term calculated goals. By these actions, not only are leaders engage with organizational requirements but also attend to the society benefits for employees. Remember to ask the question: What really motivates the personnel?
I believe that four traits really stand out that make an effective leader. The first trait is self-confidence and this is such an important trait because if you are not confident in your own skills as a leader, your followers will begin to doubt you and your abilities to lead. When you are self-confident as a leader, you are certain in your abilities to influence other people. The second characteristic is determination which is the desire to get the job efficiently and correctly. When you are a determined, you are being proactive and taking initiative to get a job done which is what most leaders do daily (Northouse 25). They understand what needs to be done and support their followers to follow the proper steps to complete a project. The third trait is integrity and it is the quality of being trustworthy and honest. People do not want to follow someone who they cannot trust, which is why this trait is very important. A true leader that shows integrity is making a mistake and owning up to it without trying to pass the blame off to somebody else. The final important characteristic that I think is important is sociability. It is the ability to seek out positive relationships with your followers by being outgoing, courteous, and tactful (Northouse 26). When you are a sociable leader, you followers feel comfortable with you and are more likely to come to you with
I believe that defining a leader by one set of traits can be challenging, if not impossible. That is mostly likely that when you research leadership traits you come across various opinions; among them is Baker (2001) who believes that when leaders are defined they should be defined based on the traits associated with three systems. These systems (Baker, 2001) include the classical system, the equilibrium system, and the transforming system. Each of the systems (Baker 2001) has traits associated with them, for the exception of the transforming system.
There are four different leadership styles, which are autocratic, consultative, participative and free-rein. A leadership style is the driver in the success or failure of any project or work environment. The leadership style used by management directly influences team members ' performance and their ability to carry out instructions, as well as motivates the team to reach collective goals of the organization (Cunningham, Salomone, & Wielgus, 2015). I will also explore my experience as a manager and describe what type of leadership style I used.
There were many characteristics in which Lynn Tilton displayed both a good manager and a good leader. According to Turk (2007, p. 20), “The best answer is that a good leader and good manager can, and should, be one and the same.” Lynn knew and understood what it took to make her businesses run, she understood the in and outs of the business and she was very decisive. In addition, she was in tune with every aspect of how to effectively run and operate her business. She knew how each functioning part played a role in the productivity of the business. Moreover, she displayed detailed knowledge and inspiration. Lynn was down to earth but she also meant business. She was serious about completing work and being productive. Lynn exemplified characteristics of being a good leader in that she was