Great leaders are born and not made
Introduction
A leader is defined as a person with the ability to influence and guide a group of people to accomplish a common goal. In simple words, a leader is someone who is followed by the people. There are different types of leaders and various leadership theories which may help to understand the characteristics of a leader and also the leadership process.
Thus, the most basic and commonly asked question that arises is- Are leaders born or made?
Leadership Theories
Trait Theories
According to trait theories, effective leaders share a number of common characteristics or ‘traits’. Early trait theories follow a Darwinian approach and suggest that leadership and these traits are innate and instinctive that you either have or don’t have. Research has now proven that certain traits can be developed within one’s self. Trait theories help us to identify the traits and qualities required to be a good leader, such as integrity, honesty, and many more. However, possession of these traits or a combination of them does not always guarantee success.
Behavioural Theories
Behaviour theories are established on the behaviour of effective leaders in the work place. It is based on how the leaders decide what is important and not important for their team and also, on how the leaders treat the members of their team.
In the 1930s, Kurt Lewin developed a framework on the basis of behaviour theories and categorized leaders into 3 broad leadership types:
1. Autocratic leaders - An autocratic leader is a leader with complete power and self-assurance to arrive at conclusions. They influence others and impose their will and no one challenges them. This type of leadership acts as a hindrance for creative people, as they are unable to contribute towards the process of decision-making and thus, are unable to attain job satisfaction. 2. Democratic leaders- This leader follows a democratic form of leadership where the leader listens to and studies the team’s ideas, but
holds the
A leader is defined as a person with the ability to influence and guide a group of people to accomplish a common goal. In simple words, a leader is someone who is followed by the people. There are different types of leaders and various leadership theories which may help to understand the characteristics of a leader and also the leadership process.
Thus, the most basic and commonly asked question that arises is- Are leaders born or made?
Leadership Theories
Trait Theories
According to trait theories, effective leaders share a number of common characteristics or ‘traits’. Early trait theories follow a Darwinian approach and suggest that leadership and these traits are innate and instinctive that you either have or don’t have. Research has now proven that certain traits can be developed within one’s self. Trait theories help us to identify the traits and qualities required to be a good leader, such as integrity, honesty, and many more. However, possession of these traits or a combination of them does not always guarantee success.
Behavioural Theories
Behaviour theories are established on the behaviour of effective leaders in the work place. It is based on how the leaders decide what is important and not important for their team and also, on how the leaders treat the members of their team.
In the 1930s, Kurt Lewin developed a framework on the basis of behaviour theories and categorized leaders into 3 broad leadership types:
1. Autocratic leaders - An autocratic leader is a leader with complete power and self-assurance to arrive at conclusions. They influence others and impose their will and no one challenges them. This type of leadership acts as a hindrance for creative people, as they are unable to contribute towards the process of decision-making and thus, are unable to attain job satisfaction. 2. Democratic leaders- This leader follows a democratic form of leadership where the leader listens to and studies the team’s ideas, but
holds the
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