...There are several different approaches to studying leadership and with determining what makes a good leader. Throughout this paper, I will discuss the trait approach, the skills approach, and the style approach. I will also discuss how each approach relates to me personally based on the results of the questionnaires provided in “Leadership: Theory and Practice” by Peter Northouse. I will begin with the trait approach. According to Northouse, “the trait approach is concerned with which traits leaders exhibit and who has these traits” (p. 40). The trait approach also helps people to learn about themselves. It helps to clearly outline strengths and weaknesses which will enable the manager to learn how he/she can be a better leader (Northouse, p.40). I completed the Leadership Trait Questionnaire and I was surprised with the results. I have always prided myself on my communication abilities and my work ethic. I have also always felt that I am an outgoing person and easy to get along with. After having colleagues rate me based on the questionnaire and comparing my responses with them, there were some surprises to me. My colleagues did rate me highly in articulation, determination, trustworthy, friendly and dependable. I also rated myself highly in these categories as well. The surprises to me were with the traits of self-assured, outgoing, and self-confident. I rated myself higher than the average of my colleague’s ratings. I can use this information going forward to help enhance...
Words: 1133 - Pages: 5
...Mueller Course: Leadership in the 21st Century Date: 06/25/2014 Leaders Leadership is the driving force for any organization, region, or enterprise. Different people have different understanding on the value of leadership. There is a major concern on whether leaders are born or made. However, proper answer would mainly rely on evaluation of the various traits that a leader should possess. Proper leadership skills are vital to the success of a company. They help in making the right choices at the right time. Proper leadership is a combination of personality traits and several skills, and capabilities that an individual learn with time, and the experience that people acquire in their various occupations. Leaders have effective ability to resolve complex situations as one of their most critical traits. However, this does not dictate that they are the most knowledgeable individuals in an organization. At some point, they will require the assistance of the subordinates to handle stubborn problems. Successful leadership does not undermine the contribution of a subordinate (Kinicki 2014). Instead, the leader combines his knowledge with that of the team member to set effective directions, as well as make proper decisions. The character, personality, or attitude of a person may be extremely useful to him in assuming leadership role. However, it calls for application of a range of leadership styles by leaders to suit their personalities, and various leadership situations. In...
Words: 982 - Pages: 4
...Traits and Skills Theory: A Doctoral Learner Comparison Approach in Understanding Leadership Traits and Skills Patricia Faison Grand Canyon University LDR 802 August 21, 2013 Traits and Skills Theory: A Doctoral Learner Comparison Approach in Understanding Leadership Traits and Skills Two empirical research studies were compared in the comparison matrix. The articles were located in the Grand Canyon University library. Article one written by Connelly, et al. (2000), is entitled: “Exploring the Relationship of Leadership Skills and Knowledge to Leader Performance.” Article two written by Baum and Locke (2004) is entitled:” The Relationship of Entrepreneurial Traits, Skill, and Motivation to Subsequent Venture Growth.” Article one examines leadership characteristics and capabilities. Article two contributes to the understanding of personal characteristic and the effects they may have on entrepreneur, was to examine military leaders, and civilian leadership skills which are critical in being a successful leader. Connelly, et al (2000) argues that, “the nature of the leader capacities impact leader behavior and performance.” Baum and Locke (2004) study “contributes to the revival of interest in understanding the effects of entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics importance between relationship of traits and subsequent venture growth among entrepreneurs.” Connelly, et al (2000) calculated the impacts of leadership skills, and knowledge in addition to the relationship of leader...
Words: 2666 - Pages: 11
...830———Trait Approach to Leadership determining how an organization should allocate training resources. The organization–task–person model is less useful when it comes to reacting to a specific human performance problem, such as high turnover or poor sales. A thorough needs assessment relevant to this problem may prove inefficient; moreover, it would assume that some form of training is required to solve the problem. An alternative model has been offered to deal with these situations. It is a problem-solving process that begins with problem definition and then moves to root-cause identification Fleenor, John W. "TraitThis model isto and intervention design. Approach known as the Leadership." Encyclopedia of Industrial human performance intervention (HPI) process or and Organizational Psychology.(HPT). Although human performance technology 2006. relatively neglected in I/O psychology SAGE Publications. 16 Feb. 2011. research, this approach resonates with the consulting approach increasingly used by professionals in the human resource management and organizational development fields. —Kenneth G. Brown See also Job Analysis; Job Analysis Methods; Training; Trainability and Adaptability; Training Evaluation FURTHER READING leadership research. This approach focuses on the personal attributes (or traits) of leaders, such as physical and personality characteristics, competencies, and values. It views leadership solely from the perspective of the individual leader. Implicit in...
Words: 2000 - Pages: 8
...Leadership Approach: Trait Theory There are many approaches to leadership within an organization. “Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill levels“(Cherry, 2013). This paper chooses to evaluate the trait approach to studying leadership. Through the course of this paper, the implications, strengths, and weaknesses of the theory will be explored. Implications of the Trait Theory As previously noted, the trait theory assumes “that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership” (Cherry, 2013). The trait theory can be applied in multiple leadership positions within multiple types of organizations. Taking the information retained from this theory and its research, managers not only assess the current personnel within leadership positions but also can assess what traits can are currently successful in alternate leadership positions. The trait theory is not dependent on any particular type or organization or sect of leadership. “Scholars taking the trait approach attempted to identify physiological (appearance, height, and weight), demographic (age, education and socioeconomic background), personality (self confidence and aggressiveness), intellective (intelligence, decisiveness, judgment, and knowledge), task related (achievement drive, initiative...
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...articles. One is based on leadership traits and the other on leadership skills. The first journal article: Leadership Traits, Leadership Behavior and Job Autonomy of Imams in Peninsular Malaysia: A Moderated Meditation Analysis by Mutalib, M. and Abdul Ghani, A is based on leadership traits of imams in Peninsular, Malaysia. The second journal titled “Understanding the Strength of Gentleness: Soft Skilled Leadership on the Rise by Marques, Joan is based on leadership skills. The leadership traits article has two authors from two Islamic religious universities while the second article on leadership skills is written by an author. The first study examined how and cognitive ability, personality, religiosity, motivation to lead, past leadership experiences and motivation to lead can affect leadership behaviors while Marques examined in her study how “soft skills” have risen to dominate charisma of past effective leader in the recent time. In the first study the authors emphasized that the Imams traits can influence their leadership behaviors while in the second paper, Marques said that recently soft leadership skills are appreciated more by the followers than the Charisma of any transformational leader in the past. So it is very important to look at the authors questions to see what works better in the 21st century leadership. Comparison of Research Questions In the first study Mutalib and Abdul (2013) questioned how and when the three leadership traits of imams can influence...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
...What leadership skill or trait do you think is essential for leading a global organization? Explain why you think this way. Support your position with references. Having spent the last 20 years in the military, I have been inundated with what the Army believes are the characteristics needed in order to be a great leader. The military, specifically the Army defines leadership as “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization” (Army leadership, 2012, p. 1-1). In the military, I’ve had the opportunity to be both an assigned leader as well as an emergent leader as described by Northouse (2013). The experiences in both instances have led me...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...This leadership essay will define discovery skills described by using traits and qualities in a leadership role. The different leadership models discussed shows how techniques reinforce the importance of having a shared general goal based on different explanations. Leadership models are guides to show you the different leadership behaviors to use when dealing with specific work related situations. To best understand the different leadership models, graphic representation is used to visually show the different behaviors. Leadership is about behavior, an observable set of skills and abilities. Many individuals associate leadership with one person leading or taking the lead and others follow. There are four things that stand out and make effective leaders. The first is in order to lead one must be capable of influencing others. Second the leaders must have individuals who are willing to follow. Third leaders tend to take the lead when there’s an issue or problem to solve. Lastly, successful leaders have a great understanding of what they want to achieve and how to get it accomplished. Hence, leaders are individuals who are able to look outside the box and take action in non-routine situations. As effective leaders they try and persuade the actions, approach, and values of their followers. Being a leader of this sort is shown as personal and comes from the traits and qualities the leader currently holds. The traits and qualities possessed by leaders can also be linked to other...
Words: 1502 - Pages: 7
...Leadership: Inherent or developed? Gary Mason Regent University June 26, 2016 Leadership: Inherent or developed? Introduction Leadership is required in nearly every aspect of our lives; it is so important that leadership, and the traits that make up leadership, have been studied extensively for decades. In industry the viability of the organization depends so heavily on leadership that many companies fail, not due to a poor product, or bad marketing but simply due to poor leadership since “…leadership…may affect work team processes and results”. (Santos, Caetano, & Tavares, 2015, p. 470) Although “nearly $15 billion is spent yearly…” (Prager, 2016, p. 30) on leadership development programs “study after study says leadership development is not effective, senior leaders don’t believe it works”! (Prager, 2016, p. 30) With the amount of money being spent on leadership development, clearly there is a belief that it is possible to train someone to become a leader. Still, “86% of HR and business leaders see leadership shortfalls as a top-three issue”. (Prager, 2016, p. 32) If leadership development is important enough to spend $15 billion dollars a year to provide, yet 86% of business leaders and Human Resource officers still consider the development of leadership skills a significant issue because of remaining shortfalls in leadership in spite of the investment, there is plainly a disconnect. But, what attributes or skills are recognized as good leadership traits? According...
Words: 3865 - Pages: 16
...LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION 1 Leadership Communication Skills BUS 600 – Management Communications with Technology Dr. Leigh Tonelli December 9, 2013 Leadership Communication While some people may assume leadership communication does not have to be led by an effective communicator. , It is essential to know that people that withhold leadership positions in organizations need to have strong effective communication skills that are successful within the organizations that suite their positions. Public health organizations such as health departments have leadership communicators who initially, address issues that reflect the present and future of the organization to other members and staff. This is a detailed duty that needs to ensure a person is a superior communicator (Barrett, 2006). Messages that are given from a leadership perspective reflect values of the organization such as vision, mission, and culture (Barrett, 2006). Leadership communicators also focus on consistency expressed through an organizations values in which they communicate frequently within the organization. People that withhold positions in leadership communication strengthen the values and culture within an organization based on organizational values and the mission of the organization (Barrett, 2006). Leadership without good communication is a setback in many organizations, which is why it’s desired for anyone in leadership communication to have certain traits and characteristics. This essay will depict...
Words: 1894 - Pages: 8
...during difficult periods in history to overcome obstacles” (Great man theory of leadership). In other words, each person’s attributes are what make each person successful as opposed to external forces. House Path Goal Theory The House Path Goal Theory was developed by Robert J. House and has four different leadership behaviors. “Each leadership behavior aims to maximize worker outcomes by recognizing the impact of both environmental factors and worker characteristics in job performance” (The Path-Goal). The four leadership behaviors are achievement-oriented behavior, directive path-goal clarifying behavior, supportive leader behavior, and participative leader behavior. Achievement-oriented behavior is based on “setting goals that challenge employees” (The Path-Goal). Directive path-goal clarifying behavior is defining functions and expectations of employees so that there is not any confusion. Supportive leader behavior is “support[ing] a subordinate’s psychological well being” through “stress reduction and frustration mitigation” (The Path-Goal). Lastly, participative leader behavior is enabling subordinates to make decisions in hopes that being part of the decision-making process will lead employees to be more productive. Trait Theory of Leadership The Trait Theory of Leadership, developed by R.M. Stogdill, has identified traits that are common of successful leaders. “These traits are not responsible...
Words: 744 - Pages: 3
...that will conclude how personality and skills are essential in being a good leader. The premise for each article all had the same hypothesis in mind, with regard to effective leadership. The studies that will be compared will be “Personality traits, management styles & conflict management in a military unit” by Salimi, Karaminia, and Esmaeili (2011) and “The leadership skills strataplex: Leadership skill requirements across organizational levels” by Mumford, Campion, and Morgeson (2007). A comparison of the research questions, sample population, and limitations will be discussed. Salimi and colleagues (2011) investigated personality traits with regard to management styles. They wanted to find out if personality traits had any affect on a leader’s management style and conflict resolution. They found that extraversion and when conscientious leaders were more successful. Northouse (2010) in regards to personality traits gave perfect examples on how personality traits in fact can affect how leaders resolve issues and tribulations. Northouse (2010), stated how leaders are more tolerant for uncertainty, openness, and curiosity. When leaders are confident they are more inclined to be helpful in sudden situations that involve conflict. Mumford and colleagues (2007) addressed the skills needed by a leader to help perform their daily job functions within an organization. They suggest that cognitive, interpersonal, business, and strategic skills all have separate outcomes and importance...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...process of goal achievement. A leader is not the boss of the team but instead, he/she is that person who is committed to carrying out the mission of the venture. He further defines leadership as” a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task” which in short would mean working through others to achieve goals or objectives . With these definitions, it would be safe to say that anyone whose accomplishment necessitates the sustenance of others can be a leader. The same is true of many who are presently working with and through others to achieve a common objective that they are indeed leaders, whether they consider themselves to be eccentric or catastrophic leaders. Mahatma Gandhi once said that, “We must live the change we want to see”. This quote brings new meaning as it embraces the fact that we are leaders of any change in our lives, therefore logically it means everyone can be a leader even if you think you are not a born leader. Good Leaders are Born- Trait Leadership According to the “Great Man theories of Leadership” it assumes that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often depict great leaders as valiant, mythic and ordained to rise to leadership when needed. The term "Great...
Words: 1631 - Pages: 7
...Leadership requires leaders to possess the right traits such as intelligence, charisma, determination, sociability, integrity and confidence. All individuals are born with unique leadership traits, which can positively impact their leadership. Effective leadership results when the leader engages the right traits in the right place at the right time. In addition, it is vital that a leader has the capacity to lead. This capacity may be innate or developed through enhanced dedication, practice, instruction and constructive feedback from others. Leadership requires skilled leaders who have the competency to effectively accomplish tasks. Individuals who have the ability to learn from experiences and reflect on past failures and success can acquire leadership skills. Leadership is also an observable behavior. Effective leadership requires leaders to have the ability to combine task behaviour and process behaviour in an optimum way. Leadership has evolved from the traditional approach to the interactive type of leadership where authority and influence are shared among all members of the group. This approach proposes collaboration between leaders and followers to devotedly work towards achieving a common good. In order to attain synergy influence is essential to the process of leadership. In essence, effective leadership is the purposeful influence on followers that fosters positive change for the greater good. My personal philosophical approach to leadership reflects theory Y. As a...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...Essay Introduction: Leadership is a process by which individuals influence employees toward the achievement of organizational objectives (Dubrin, 2009). Leadership is probably the most frequent researched subject in the organization sciences. Many studies of leadership have been published and many leadership articles have been written in business-oriented publications and academic journals and books. Leadership has been researched in various different ways, depending on the methodological preferences of the researcher leadership definition (Achua, 2009). Most scholars deal only with leadership’s one narrow aspect, and as a result, most of the studies fall into distinct lines of research which include leader traits, behaviour, power and influence, and situational approaches. Literature Analysis: Are leaders born or made? This question has always dominated and still continues to dominate the leadership study (Dubrin, 2009). Although many research papers have been written, little to no conclusive evidence can be researched; the leadership topic remains elusive (Achua, 2009). However, with fifty years or more of study, some of the contributing factors or origins of leadership have become clearer. While no predictive model exists, scholars know what leads to leadership. One difficulty in discussing the leadership is its definition. Burt Nanus and Warren Bennis (Torrington and Hall, 2008) report ore that three hundred definitions of leadership that leadership researchers have generated...
Words: 1486 - Pages: 6
