Traits Theory of Leadership

Introduction

• Discussion on the Traits Theory of Leadership, considered valuable but criticized.
• Based on books by Johnson and Hackman ("Leadership, a Communication Perspective") and Peter Northouse ("Leadership").
• Originates from early 1900s; linked to psychology’s focus on personality traits.

Definition of Traits

• Traits: Defining characteristics, qualities, or enduring tendencies of a person.
• Believed to be part of a person's DNA, akin to physical traits.

Traits Theory of Leadership

• Leaders possess a collection of distinguishing traits.
• Known as the "great man" or "great person" theory.
• Cites examples like Catherine the Great, Gandhi, Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Napoleon.

Meta-Analysis of Leadership Traits

• Various studies yield different lists of traits.
• Meta-analysis helps identify common traits across studies.

Five Major Leadership Traits (Northouse)

1. Intelligence

• Leaders possess higher intelligence than average.
• Examples: Founding Fathers of the US, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg.
• High intelligence can pose communication challenges.

2. Self-Confidence

• Certainty in competencies, skills; high self-esteem and assurance.
• Example: Barack Obama; noted for unwavering self-assurance.

3. Determination

• Strong drive, initiative, persistence.
• Example: Oprah Winfrey; overcame poverty, racial, and gender barriers, built a media empire.

4. Integrity

• Honesty, trustworthiness, clear principles.
• Examples: Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln ("Honest Abe").

5. Sociability

• Engaging in friendly, courteous relationships.
• Examples: Princess Diana, Warren Buffett.

Criticisms of Traits Theory

1. Inconsistency

• Different studies have different trait lists.

2. Learnable Behaviors?

• Some traits seem more like learnable behaviors than innate traits.

3. Acting Traits

• People can mimic traits without truly possessing them; e.g., nervous individuals acting self-confident.

Conclusion

• Leadership traits studies likely to continue.
• Some leaders naturally stand out, but not all are born leaders.

Reflection

• Consider how you align with these key traits.
• Some traits may be learned; leaders can work their way up.

Related Content

• Upcoming video on Top Five Qualities of Transformational Leaders.