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Four (4) Leadership Traits or Personal Characteristics

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FOUR (4) leadership traits or personal characteristics

Traits are distinguishing personal characteristics of a leader, such as self-confidence (personality), intelligence (intelligence and ability), cognitive ability (intelligence and ability) and achievement drive (work-related characteristics). Many of leaders’ dispositions are influenced by the traits that they possessed at birth. They can acquire certain traits from the environment they live in. It is possible to change one’s traits for better or for worse through conditioning.

1. Self-confidence
A leader needs to have the ability to take risks. This ability comes with confidence in his decisions and himself. As examples, Tommy had a solution to solve the glass display production problem by rejecting Richard suggestion; he had already agreed to buy ReflecShine at 20% below its asset value; he chose Jimmy as general manager to run ReflecShine. Tommy had self-confidence and believes on his decisions to overcome problems. Tommy also has emotional stability during meeting.

2. Cognitive ability
This is mental abilities and knowledge. Some cognitive skills are insight into people and situation, farsightedness and conceptual thinking. As examples, Tommy knew that they could not ramp up production in Brazil in to time to deliver and could not outsource to a supplier who could steal their design and methods; Tommy also knew that buying ready supplier in Singapore could solve these two problems and give them time until Japan factory is rebuilt. He was also the best at transforming an adversity into opportunity.

3. Micromanaging
It is the act of over-managing, or employing too much detail in delegating a task. As examples, the staffs want Tommy to retire because he is just too hands-on. Micromanaging limits leadership effectiveness. Tommy should learn to keep this tendency for over control under his

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