The Role of Traits in the Leadership Process

Abstract

The cliches, “leaders are born, not made and leaders are made, not born” have been on the social sphere of leadership for quite a while. Is this a chicken-egg dilemma? Leadership generally has certain qualities that humans can point at, acting as conspicuous factors to be emulated. These qualities can either be innate or acquired. This paper looks at the role of traits in the leadership process. It focuses mainly on the trait theory, distinguishing the desired and the not so admired ones in as far as leadership is a concern. We also employ the great man theory to historically give flesh to where and how leadership has evolved to the 21st century. Transformational/charismatic leadership comes forth as the lottery winning mode to a sure way to a successful and productive form that leaders should have to deliver in this technologically advancing planet. We touched on Narcissist and Machiavellian types of leadership but only as contrary examples to the recommended. The paper is, therefore, a handy requirement for today’s leaders. A snapshot for those wishing to guide others in the visionary path of leadership. Commitment, passion, empathy, honesty, integrity communication skills and decision-making capabilities can be learned and used to better the leader-follower relationship process. The business world and other forms of social governance are out of the stagnation of the great man theory of leadership. Flexibility in behavior, actions and thought make the best of a leader.