Trait Theory of Leadership

Objective List the Important Theories of Leadership Explain What is the ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ Explain What is meant by ‘Leadership Style’ Explain the Significance of Michigan Studies in Trait Theory Explain Cattell's 16 Personality Factors Explain the OCEAN of Personality List the Core Traits of Leadership List the Advantages and Limitations of Trait Theory Describe the Application of Trait Theory List the Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Introduction Look at the given images of the following people: Mahatma Gandhi Barack Obama Adolf Hitler Steve Jobs What do you think is common among all of them?

Introduction Each one of them - Mahatma Gandhi, Barack Obama, Adolf Hitler and Steve Jobs, is a natural born leader, with characteristic traits that made them great leaders.

Introduction Mahatma Gandhi was a great people’s leader who led and influenced an entire nation to follow the path of non-violence and gain their country’s freedom.

Introduction On the other hand, there was Adolf Hitler who led and influenced an entire nation to fulfil his fanatic ambitions.

Introduction Hitler too just like Mahatma Gandhi did not have any formal leadership training. Yet, he was able to influence and lead from the common man to the highest ranked military officers to obey him.

Introduction Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of the modern era and a great leader as well. It was under his leadership and guidance that Apple grew to great heights.

Introduction Barack Obama is another such great leader who led an entire nation to stand up to support him and vote for change.

Introduction Hence, you can understand that certain people are born leaders. Such born leaders possess the inherent traits of a great leader.

Introduction Such inherent traits helps the born leaders to inspire others to take action, enjoy a great following, make many connections and allies, and have great and meaningful interaction with others.

Introduction Scholars found in their studies that successful leaders definitely have interests, abilities, and personality traits that are different from those of the less effective leaders.

Let us learn about ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ in detail. Introduction The ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ is based on the characteristics of many leaders, both successful and unsuccessful and is used to predict leadership effectiveness. Let us learn about ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ in detail.

What is the ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’? The ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ is based on the characteristics of many leaders, both successful and unsuccessful and is used to predict leadership effectiveness. The resulting lists of traits are then compared to those of potential leaders to assess their likelihood of success or failure.

The Trait Theory The following are the three key questions that guided Trait Theory research prior to World War II: Which are the common traits underlying all great leaders? Can we predict people’s leadership potential on the basis of these appropriate traits? Can people learn to become effective leaders?

Roll your mouse over the icon, to learn more. Core Traits of Leadership Among the core traits identified in the ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ are: Cognitive Ability Capable of exercising good judgment, strong analytical abilities, and conceptually skilled Emotional Maturity Well adjusted and does not suffer from severe psychological disorders Knowledge of Business Knowledge of industry and other technical matters Others Roll your mouse over the icon, to learn more. Charisma, creativity and flexibility

Implications of Trait Theory The ‘Trait Theory of Leadership’ gives constructive information about leadership. It can be applied by people at all levels in all types of organizations. Managers can utilize the information from the theory to evaluate their position in the organization and to assess how their position can be made stronger in the organization. They can get an in-depth understanding of their identity and the way they will affect others in the organization. This theory makes the manager aware of his strengths and weaknesses and thus he can get an understanding of how he can develop his leadership qualities.

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