Over the course of years, there has been extensive research conducted to determine whether leader are born or made. Some of the research results indicate that leaders are with innate trait that serves to enhance a person’s ability to lead. On the other hand, some of the results of research indicate that leaders are developed through their personal life experiences. This research paper compares the trait-based theory, and the theory that leadership is developed through experiences in order to gain a better understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to a person’s ability to lead, and answer the question are leadership traits innate of developed. The paper first covers information about the trait-based perspective. It provides an in-depth definition of the theory, in which it is believed that leaders are born, not developed. It also includes a description of how innate traits influence leadership potential, effectiveness, and behaviors. Next, a summary of a research review conducted by Stephen Zaccaro in 2007 is provided in support of the theory. For comparison an in-depth definition of the theory of leadership development is provided, as well as a summary of a research review conducted by Curt Brungardt in 1997 that supports the theory of leadership being developed. Finally, the paper includes a summary of the two theories, then, a discussion about the effectiveness of the arguments for each theory, and draws a conclusion based on a comparison of the
If leaders are simply born that way then what is the point of leadership development. The answer perhaps creates controversy because the answer is simply both. Clearly there are those who have certain abilities that allow them to more easily assume leadership roles while others of us work to develop the necessary skills. The reality is that each person is unique in their skills and abilities as is each leader. One may be charismatic while another is empathetic, one may have clear vision another remarkable communication skill. We all have a different mix of skills and abilities that allow us the opportunity to lead. “Genetic endowment may merely influence the rate at which domain-specific expertise is acquired without imposing any upper or lower bounds on attainment.” (Simonton, 2007) While some leaders definitely have a genetic advantage on leadership, and may find
In Lesson 6, Dr. Fischer explores the ideas of whether leaders are born or made. In some cases certain traits such as extroversion, conscientiousness, openness, and emotional intelligence can suggest that leaders can in
Throughout time the question of “ Are leaders born or made?” continues to be debated. This question has been part of several myths that try to explain what makes a person a leader. According to the trait approach theory, it sets a benchmark for what certain traits an individual must possess in order to make them a leader. Before leadership traits were considered innate. However, as time has progressed research has indicated that situations differentiate leaders from non-leaders. Therefore, an individual does not possess certain traits, rather it is the relationship between the person and its society that make him/her leader. All leaders must have a set of skills that help them lead subordinates to reach an overall vision. A vision must originate from both the leader and its followers, and it is the leader's job to articulate the vision. Furthermore, leaders demonstrate the capacity to lead their followers and
Many may measure leadership in success, however, leadership is also measured in personality. The phrase “born to be a leader” holds true when considering the qualities a leader must possess. To be an effective leader, first it must be understood that respect, logical problem solving, and confidence without arrogance is key; these qualities are present in the leaders of the novel The Lord of the Flies as well as in modern leaders of today’s society.
As a growing debate, the question at hand is whether great leaders are born with specific leadership traits, or if one can be taught certain traits over time. According to (Wikipedia.com) the approach of listing leadership qualities, often termed "trait theory of leadership", assumes certain traits or characteristics will tend to lead to effective leadership. I believe that leadership traits such as honest, competent, initiative, inspiring, hardworking, intelligent, and the ability to lead the masses, are some of the leadership traits one should possess. Within this paper, I will examine the overall concept of leadership traits, while observing the traits that were, or can be associated with successful leaders.
Leaders are not born they are made. The basics of leadership can be learned by anyone, but most people choose not to take up the mantle. When a leader is formed they are crafted with honor, courage, and commitment.
In modern day business, leadership has become an issue that is given far more attention and investment than ever before. Leadership involves establishing a clear vision, sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, providing the information, knowledge and methods to realise that vision, and coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members and stakeholder. This essay will discuss whether leaders are born not made, with varies of theories being compared and contrasted and the strengths and limitations of leaders itself. Further this essay will analyse the future aspects of theories which would establish whether a leader was born with leadership qualities or made into a successful leader.
Early on in the study of leadership, it was believed that people were born with specific traits that made them great leaders. In other words, early
When judging the qualities of leadership, there is a tendency to think of the gifted, or natural leader, involving some expectation that leadership is an inherent personality quality that some have, and
Leadership has many definitions and has been described by many authors, political leaders, and common men by different means. The great Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, once said; “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” The literature that the authors reviewed justifies the argument that leaders are developed. Grandzol et al did not find much literature that
In the other words, leaders are born. Their personality makes them become leaders naturally. These theories also figure out the differences between leaders and non – leaders as well as effective leaders and ineffective ones in order to measure the leadership within organizations. As a result, leaders are considered as more intelligent, physically filter, more extroverted, more self – confident than non – leaders. Furthermore, effective leadership studies show that effective leadership usually depends on how well the leader’s traits fit context’s requirements. Although the trait theories have limitations, they still suggest scholars to consider the personality traits as core component of a leadership. Evidently, while people can learn from leadership theory to improve their leadership skills, the world still faces a shortage of outstanding leaders. Tim Cook are well trained and inherits the Apple’s achievements under Steave Jobs’ leadership, he is still not guaranteed to lead Apple to success in the next stages
Moreover, the trait approach gives a deeper understanding of the leader element in the leadership process by emphasising exclusively on the leader, (Gore et al, 2011). The trait theory does not offer hypotheses about the role of situational variance or characteristic of the followers. Instead, this approach provide information about leaders, and about which traits cause which behaviours and that certain set of traits are central to the leadership process and play an indispensible part of effective leadership.
The question of whether exceptional leaders are born with their strong leadership skills or if they develop them over their (sometimes quite short) lives has been a point of controversy for a long time, making many scientists scratch their heads.
Leadership is something that can be taught (Northouse, 2015. There are some valuable theories, which will be discussed later in this paper, how a leader can develop into having a strong influence in any daily aspect of their lives. Also later in this paper it will be discussed the various styles of leaders that can affect the behaviors of the actions of each leader. Each leader can learn these attributes or some of them just have the natural capability of being a leader.
This theory is based on the premise that there are certain personality characteristics that are essential for a person to possess in order to be a leader. The main emphasis is on what the person is in terms of a constellation of personality traits. This theory searches for that set of universal leadership traits that will assure success. Numerous traits have been suggested: courage, integrity, loyalty, charisma, ambition, intelligence, honesty, clairvoyance, persistence, arrogance, health, political skill, confidence and vision.