What is a leader’s personality?
What are the features and attributes we
find in leaders?
Many of them are extrovert,
although we have probably all
met the strong silent
influencers, who are the
exception that proves the rule
Leaders are usually “people
people “.
That is to say, comfortable interacting with others, and
they usually seek leadership positions.
It is now thought that there are certain key attributes
that leaders have, which enable them to develop the
skills to become leaders. It is a moot point whether
having these attributes makes a person a leader, or a
better leader .Would they be able to make it as leaders
without these attributes?
Kirkpatrick and Locke say that research identifies the
key traits for leaders as:
Drive – Being motivated and ambitious, energetic
and tenacious, able to take the initiative.
Leadership motivation – The ambition to lead
others, and a clear vision of where the business
should be. This not the desire for power in itself.
Honesty and integrity —encouraging followers to
respect you;
Self-confidence – this is associated with emotional
stability;
Cognitive ability – Or intelligence
Business Knowledge – is usually essential for
credibility.
Kirkpatrick, S.A. and Locke, E.A. (1991)
“Leadership: do traits matter?” Academy of
Management Perspectives
Other characteristics often thought to contribute to
successful leadership are charisma, ingenuity and
resilience, though interestingly there is not clear
research evidence for this.
What other attributes are important for
leadership?
Self-Motivation is an important attribute. People who
are self-motivated find it easier to motivate others, an
important aspect of leadership. They tend to set
themselves high but realistic goals, take risks, commit
to organisational goals as well as personal, seek out
opportunities, and are able to deal with setbacks.
A strong personality is also important, often embodied
by attributes such as charisma, self-confidence and
assertiveness.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a key indicator of
leadership potential. EI is part of a person’s psyche. It
is the ability to recognise and manage one’s own
emotions, and those of other people, both individually
and in groups. It is epitomised by self-control. This
skill enables them to develop interpersonal
relationships and to fit in well in groups. People with
higher emotional intelligence enjoy more satisfying and
successful careers and relationships.
Someone’s level of Emotional intelligence can be
perceived by how they shape their life – their personal
and interpersonal skills, whether they develop
meaningful relationships with others, their
understanding and empathy with people, how they
manage their own emotions. It encompasses self-
awareness, self-regulation and motivation, and social
skills such as empathy with others, communication and
influencing skills.
Interpersonal skills are the skills we use to interact
with other people. Strong interpersonal skills facilitate
communication and facilitates stronger
relationships. Emotional intelligence is a measure of
our ability to understand other people and their
emotions, and our actions and behaviours towards
them.
Improving and developing EI skills helps with personal
development and growth. The higher someone’s level of
EI , the more likely they are to achieve a successful
career and enjoy rich personal relationships .Their skills
and achievements give them a high level of self-
confidence, which in turn makes them more interesting
and attractive.
What are the features and attributes we
find in leaders?
Many of them are extrovert,
although we have probably all
met the strong silent
influencers, who are the
exception that proves the rule
Leaders are usually “people
people “.
That is to say, comfortable interacting with others, and
they usually seek leadership positions.
It is now thought that there are certain key attributes
that leaders have, which enable them to develop the
skills to become leaders. It is a moot point whether
having these attributes makes a person a leader, or a
better leader .Would they be able to make it as leaders
without these attributes?
Kirkpatrick and Locke say that research identifies the
key traits for leaders as:
Drive – Being motivated and ambitious, energetic
and tenacious, able to take the initiative.
Leadership motivation – The ambition to lead
others, and a clear vision of where the business
should be. This not the desire for power in itself.
Honesty and integrity —encouraging followers to
respect you;
Self-confidence – this is associated with emotional
stability;
Cognitive ability – Or intelligence
Business Knowledge – is usually essential for
credibility.
Kirkpatrick, S.A. and Locke, E.A. (1991)
“Leadership: do traits matter?” Academy of
Management Perspectives
Other characteristics often thought to contribute to
successful leadership are charisma, ingenuity and
resilience, though interestingly there is not clear
research evidence for this.
What other attributes are important for
leadership?
Self-Motivation is an important attribute. People who
are self-motivated find it easier to motivate others, an
important aspect of leadership. They tend to set
themselves high but realistic goals, take risks, commit
to organisational goals as well as personal, seek out
opportunities, and are able to deal with setbacks.
A strong personality is also important, often embodied
by attributes such as charisma, self-confidence and
assertiveness.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a key indicator of
leadership potential. EI is part of a person’s psyche. It
is the ability to recognise and manage one’s own
emotions, and those of other people, both individually
and in groups. It is epitomised by self-control. This
skill enables them to develop interpersonal
relationships and to fit in well in groups. People with
higher emotional intelligence enjoy more satisfying and
successful careers and relationships.
Someone’s level of Emotional intelligence can be
perceived by how they shape their life – their personal
and interpersonal skills, whether they develop
meaningful relationships with others, their
understanding and empathy with people, how they
manage their own emotions. It encompasses self-
awareness, self-regulation and motivation, and social
skills such as empathy with others, communication and
influencing skills.
Interpersonal skills are the skills we use to interact
with other people. Strong interpersonal skills facilitate
communication and facilitates stronger
relationships. Emotional intelligence is a measure of
our ability to understand other people and their
emotions, and our actions and behaviours towards
them.
Improving and developing EI skills helps with personal
development and growth. The higher someone’s level of
EI , the more likely they are to achieve a successful
career and enjoy rich personal relationships .Their skills
and achievements give them a high level of self-
confidence, which in turn makes them more interesting
and attractive.
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