Trait Approach

Definition of Trait Leadership

The possession of certain traits that society sees as leadership traits.

It was once believed that people were born with these certain traits.

How this approach works:

Focuses on the leaders and not the followers

Emphasizes that having a leader with a certain set of traits is crucial to having effective leadership

Leadership Traits are

Intelligence Self-Confidence Determination Integrity Sociability

Intelligence

Having strong verbal ability, perceptual ability, and reasoning appears to make one a better leader.

Self-Confidence

Ability to be certain about ones competencies and skills. Includes:

Sense of self-esteem Sense of self-assurance Belief that one can make a difference

Determination

Refers to the desire to get the job done. Includes:

Initiative Persistence Dominance Drive

Integrity

Quality of honesty and trustworthiness Leaders with this inspire confidence in others,

because they can be trusted to do what they say they are going to do.

Sociability

Refers to the leaders inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships

Leaders who show this are: Friendly Outgoing Curious Tactful Diplomatic

Strengths

Intuitively appealing Century of research

to support it Conceptual in nature Gives us ideas of

what we need to look for

Weaknesses

Ambiguous and uncertain at times

Fails to take situations into account

Too extensive and broad

Example of a good leader and a bad leader: