Trait Theory of Leadership

Let's think about successful leaders worldwide. Do you believe that they all share some traits in common? Are there specific traits that can determine one's capability of becoming a great leader? If your answer is "yes," the long-standing Trait Theory of Leadership can profoundly explain your choice!

Trait Theory of Leadership Definition

The trait theory of leadership builds from Thomas Carlyle's profound work, The Great Man Theory of Leadership, published in the 1800s.

Accordingly, Carlyle hypothesized that extraordinary leaders were born, not made.¹ Thus, the ability to lead, or leadership, is something an ordinary individual could hardly learn to master.

Since then, early leadership researchers have started to explore the relationship between individuals' inherent traits and these traits' impacts on individuals' leadership skills. Yet, contenders have argued that there are other factors beyond inheritable traits accountable to successful leadership. Altogether, they have joined under the big umbrella of the trait theory of leadership over the decades.

Characteristics of Trait Theory of Leadership

Researchers have long studied the typical characteristics of effective leaders that can most accurately predict an individual's leadership potential. Accordingly, there are eight main characteristics of individuals that, according to the current body of research regarding the trait theory of leadership, can most precisely indicate an individual's ability to lead effectively.

• Communication and Charm - Effective leaders can communicate plans and ideas to their subordinates. Plus, they are highly convincing in explaining complicated concepts in easy-to-understand words and in a charismatic manner.

• Achievement Striving - Successful leaders also ambitiously thrive towards constant achievement and success. They highly desire both personal success and team success.

Trait Theory of Leadership Examples

Are you curious to learn about real-life case analyses of the trait theory of leadership? In the next section, we will introduce some prominent leaders and their distinctive characteristics based on the trait theory of leadership.

Trait Theory of Leadership: Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, the famous political prisoner and the former President of South Africa, has inspired the world with his leadership journey. In Nelson Mandela, there is a clear presence of great empathy toward his people. He treats others with authentic leadership from his conscientiousness, compassion, and great emotional intelligence.

Trait Theory of Leadership: Bill Gates

You have probably heard of Bill Gates, the legendary founder of Microsoft. According to subordinates who have attended Bill Gates's meetings, he tended to question and challenge assumptions.³ Further, he is constantly searching for creativity and innovation while encouraging his employees to thrive forward to the unknown. Thus, a strong openness to experience is clear in Bill Gates's characteristics. Besides, Bill Gates demonstrates an achievement-striving characteristic in which he continuously seeks self-improvement and empowers others to do so.

Fig. 2 - Effective leaders inspire others

Trait Theory of Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages

As a coin always has two sides, there are also advantages and disadvantages associated with the trait theory of leadership.

Trait Theory of Leadership: Advantages

There are three meaningful ways in which the trait theory of leadership has contributed to leadership knowledge.

1. The trait theory of leadership acknowledges that distinctive and effective leaders are shaped not only by inheritable traits but also by acquired traits from their culture and social interactions. In this sense, the trait theory of leadership encourages individuals to strive forward and perfect themselves as effective leaders constantly.
2. The foundation of the trait theory of leadership has been validated through various research in the field of leadership. Thus, the characteristics and implications of the trait theory of leadership applies to businesses and all types of organizations.
3. The trait theory of leadership establishes a firm standard to identify potential leaders with generalized characteristics and traits. Therefore, managers can benefit from this theory to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses in leadership.

Trait Theory of Leadership: Disadvantages

However, the trait theory of leadership also has some limitations, among which the following five disadvantages are the most significant.

1. The trait theory of leadership has an indefinite list of leadership characteristics subject to constant changes in sociocultural contexts.

2. While the trait theory of leadership can predict individuals' potential leadership excellence, the theory disregards the role of situations and contexts in predicting effective leaders.

3. Although the trait theory of leadership is logical in connecting individuals' traits and their leadership potential, it is weak in demonstrating the effects of leaders' traits on the groups' outcomes within organizations.

4. Most characteristics of the trait theory of leadership belong to fixed psychological structures. Therefore, when it comes to leadership training and teaching, an understanding of the characteristics of influential leaders still cannot help managers positively impact their individual psychology.

Criticism Trait Theory of Leadership

A prominent criticism of the trait theory of leadership is that the theory can only predict leaders' emergence, not leaders' effectiveness. For instance, even when an individual demonstrates a leadership trait and others consider that person a potential leader, this does not guarantee their effectiveness and efficiency. Critics urge for further answers to questions including 'Do different types of leader behaviors yield the same level of effectiveness?' or 'What have successful leaders done that proves their effectiveness?'.