Question

This question contains two parts; be sure to answer both. First, describe the fundamental premise underlying the trait theory of leadership and the takeaways from trait theory. Second, identify four positive task-oriented or interpersonal traits that good leaders have and three negative interpersonal attributes often found in leaders.

Answer 1

answer-

part 1- trait theory of leadership and the takeaways from trait theory-

According to trait leadership theory, effective leaders have in common a pattern of personal characteristics that support their ability to mobilize others toward a shared vision. These traits include dimensions of personality and motives, sets of skills and capabilities, and behavior in social relationships. Using traits to explain effective leadership considers both characteristics that are inherited and attributes that are learned. This approach has been used to differentiate leaders from non-leaders.

The trait model 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.

Strengths/Advantages of Trait Theory

• It is naturally pleasing theory.
• It is valid as lot of research has validated the foundation and basis of the theory.
• It serves as a yardstick against which the leadership traits of an individual can be assessed.
• It gives a detailed knowledge and understanding of the leader element in the leadership process.

Limitations of The Trait Theory

• There is bound to be some subjective judgment in determining who is regarded as a ‘good’ or ‘successful’ leader
• The list of possible traits tends to be very long. More than 100 different traits of successful leaders in various leadership positions have been identified. These descriptions are simply generalities.
• There is also a disagreement over which traits are the most important for an effective leader
• The model attempts to relate physical traits such as, height and weight, to effective leadership. Most of these factors relate to situational factors. For example, a minimum weight and height might be necessary to perform the tasks efficiently in a military leadership position. In business organizations, these are not the requirements to be an effective leader.
• The theory is very complex.

key points take away-

Key Points

• Leadership is a process of motivating people and mobilizing resources to accomplish a common goal.
• Honesty refers to different aspects of moral character. It indicates positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, and straightforwardness.
• Honesty is essential to a leader ‘s legitimacy, credibility, and ability to develop trust with followers.
• Kouzes and Posner identify five behaviors of effective leaders: model the way, inspire vision, enable others, challenge the process, and encourage the heart.
• Effective leaders set strong behavioral examples while expounding upon the company vision to inspire employees to be fulfilled, and honesty is a necessary component of this behavior.

part 2- identify four positive task-oriented or interpersonal traits that good leaders have and three negative interpersonal attributes often found in leaders.

the four positive task-oriented or interpersonal traits are-

1- Communication skills:Help communicate the vision statement to gain support and accomplish goals.Increase the credibility of the leader and instructions become easier to follow

2- Leadership skills: Inspire others to accomplish the planned goals with commitment and dedication. It also means leading followers with a clear-cut direction.

3-Influence and Motivation skills-Motivational skills instill confidence in the minds of the followers.They help inspire followers, instead of commanding them.

4-Decision-making skills: A leader has to make countless decisions. A wrong decision may prove costly while a right decision at the crucial time may bring favorable results.

leader have skills which are positive but some leaders also possesses negative skills which are-

• over confidence is one of the attribute which can be found in leaders which can make a good leader into a bad leader.
• short tempered means leader can not control thier temper & loses thier cool in less time which is bad attribute in a leader.
• lack of accountability means leader does not want himself to be accountable for thier wrongdoings & try to blame thier followers which is very bad attribute in a leader.

*above answer is written from my perspective.hope this answer would help you.good luck & rate.