Leadership Approach
February 25, 2013
LDR/531
Instructor Jim Hoelscher
Leadership Approach Paper Leadership is established from the characteristics of leaders. Leadership is a series of action directing others through various methods to accomplish shared objectives (Yukl, 2010). Leadership characteristic is broad, and there are a few different approaches developed to study it. Yukl (2010) classified five approaches, situational approach, trait approach, power-influence approach, behavior approach, and integrative approach. An overview of trait approach will be discussed as well as the strengths and weaknesses of this approach and an example of trait leadership used in an organization will be provided too.
Trait Approach The trait approach is one of the earliest approached taken for studying leadership. Trait approach is based on attributes of leaders such as motives, personality, skills, and value (Yukl, 2010). This approach is based on the belief some people are natural leaders, empowered with certain traits that make him or her great leaders (Yukl, 2010). The earlier leadership theories featured managerial success with superior abilities such as tireless energy, unusual insight, compelling influential powers and intrusive perception (Yukl, 2010). The trait approach gives the possible leaders a set of traits they can develop intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Abolrous, n.d.). This approach suggests organizations would function better if managers had leadership skills, and choosing the right manager with these skills increases the organizational effectiveness (Abolrous, n.d.).
Trait Approach Strengths Leadership from a trait approach has many characteristics beneficial to the success an organization. The trait approach indicates leaders should have good verbal ability instinctive ability and able to use logistics when connecting with others (Abolrous, n.d.). This would set the bar for others to follow and inspire them to
LDR/531
Instructor Jim Hoelscher
Leadership Approach Paper Leadership is established from the characteristics of leaders. Leadership is a series of action directing others through various methods to accomplish shared objectives (Yukl, 2010). Leadership characteristic is broad, and there are a few different approaches developed to study it. Yukl (2010) classified five approaches, situational approach, trait approach, power-influence approach, behavior approach, and integrative approach. An overview of trait approach will be discussed as well as the strengths and weaknesses of this approach and an example of trait leadership used in an organization will be provided too.
Trait Approach The trait approach is one of the earliest approached taken for studying leadership. Trait approach is based on attributes of leaders such as motives, personality, skills, and value (Yukl, 2010). This approach is based on the belief some people are natural leaders, empowered with certain traits that make him or her great leaders (Yukl, 2010). The earlier leadership theories featured managerial success with superior abilities such as tireless energy, unusual insight, compelling influential powers and intrusive perception (Yukl, 2010). The trait approach gives the possible leaders a set of traits they can develop intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Abolrous, n.d.). This approach suggests organizations would function better if managers had leadership skills, and choosing the right manager with these skills increases the organizational effectiveness (Abolrous, n.d.).
Trait Approach Strengths Leadership from a trait approach has many characteristics beneficial to the success an organization. The trait approach indicates leaders should have good verbal ability instinctive ability and able to use logistics when connecting with others (Abolrous, n.d.). This would set the bar for others to follow and inspire them to
References: Abolrous, n.d. Leadership Theories and Summary. Retrieved from http://www.abolrous.com/hazem/leadership.htm Travis, E (2013). The Trait Approach to Leadership. Retrieved from Eryn Travis Eryn Travis has over 15 years of freelance-writing experience. She has written for "Aviation News Today" and was the managing producer and host for the cable TV news show of the same name. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Maryland and is finishing up a master 's degree in communication studies from West Chester University. http://www.ehow.com/info_7750063_trait-approach-leadership.html Yukl, G. (2010). Leadership in organizations (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.