Trait theory of leadership.
Trait theories of leadership differentiate leaders from non- leaders by focusing on personal qualities and characteristics. On the basis of physical, intellectual or personal characteristics, a successful leader has some traits these are-
1. Personal drive
2. Honesty and integrity
3. Cognitive ability
4. Charisma
5. Flexibility and adaptiveness
6. Positive affectivity
7. Creativity and originality
8. Knowledge of business
9. Self- confidence
10. Desire to lead
A short explanation about these traits of leader are given below-
1. Personal drive: For achieving organizational goals, leader needs the mentality of personal drive that subordinates follow the leaders and they are encouraged to do their jobs.
2. Honesty and integrity: Honesty and integrity is another trait of a successful leader. It increases the self- confidence of a leader.
3. Cognitive ability: Cognitive ability towards the subordinates and employee is a trait of a good leader. It helps to increase the performance of a leader.
4. Charisma: Charisma is a trait which helps the leader to influence the subordinates and they are encouraged to do their jobs.
5. Flexibility and adaptiveness: According to the situation, leader needs to be flexible and adaptive and constitute policy, methods, functions and decisions.
6. Positive affectivity: Positive affectivity of a leader includes, personality, courage, Realism, Ethical qualities which should be positive toward others. It encourages the employee to their jobs.
7. Creativity and originality: Leader should be creative of his works. Otherwise subordinates have a negative attitude toward leader.
8. Knowledge of business: Leader should have enough knowledge about the business. It is another trait of a good leader.
9. Self-confidence: Self- confidence helps to do the job accurately. Leader is the model for his/ her subordinates. So leader should be self- confident.
10. Desire to lead: Desire to lead helps to identify the actual leader. Without willingness, the task of a leader is possible.
At last, we can say that, it is difficult to expect the all traits on a leader but if a leader contains major qualities then he/ she may be a good leader.
