Page 3 - Trait theory of Leadership
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TRAIT THEORY OF
LEADERSHIP
Great Man Theory of Leadership
Are some people born to lead? If we look at the great leaders of the
past such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Queen
Elizabeth I, and Abraham Lincoln, we will find that they do seem to differ
from ordinary human beings in several aspects. They definitely possess
high levels of ambition coupled with clear visions of precisely where
they want to go. These leaders are cited as naturally great leaders, born
with a set of personal qualities that made them effective leaders. Even
today, the belief that truly great leaders are born is common.
• Top executives, sports personalities, and even politicians often seem
to possess an aura that sets them apart from others. According to
the contemporary theorists, leaders are not like other people. They
do not need to be intellectually genius or omniscient prophets to
succeed, but they definitely should have the right stuff which is not
equally present in all people. This orientation expresses an approach
to the study of leadership known as the great man theory.
Assumptions
• The leaders are born and not made and posses certain traits which
were inherited
• Great leaders can arise when there is a great need.
Trait theory of Leadership –
2/1/2019 CarePoint Global leadership 3
Program
