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Leadership Styles - Trait, Skill, Style Approach

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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 the perception of me as a leader. I will have to make an effort to be more outgoing and talkative with others around the office. I will also do my best to problem solve and not seek as much guidance and direction on tough issues. Taking these actions should help to increase the perception of my self-confidence. Tanya Prive is a contributor to Forbes and she wrote an article titled “Top 10

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