Ldr 531 Week 1 Leadership Approach
Leadership Approach
Michelle Robinson
LDR/531
April 18, 2012
Tammy Duty-Segura
Leadership Approach
Great deals of approaches exist when a person is studying leadership; therefore, he or she has options to choose from. This paper will describe one of the major approaches to studying leadership along with the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen leadership approach. Furthermore, the paper will provide an example in which this leadership approach is used in an organization of previous employment.
Trait Approach
The trait approach is one of the earliest approaches to studying leadership. This approach highlights characteristics of leaders such as behavior, intentions, ethics, and skills. The trait approach studies natural leaders who have precise awareness and influences to help others believe the leader’s approaches (Yukl, 2010). The trait approach emphasizes that leaders are born with leadership characteristics and that these characteristics permit them to be great leaders. As with any other approach, the trait approach inhabits strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
When looking at leadership from a trait approach, several solid characteristics exist. One of those characteristics is personality. Personality is important especially in the work place and can set the tone of the environment. For example, if a manager/leader has a positive attitude and approach to employees during a situation then the outcome will be positive. When employees are happy and working in positive atmosphere achievements and goals are accomplished. An additional strength of the trait approach is that the approach provides a deep understanding of what makes an individual successful as a leader. This will help future theorists because he or she will have a list of traits that predict leadership.
Personality is strength for the trait approach as well as a weakness. Many leaders are strong minded and persuasive. If the attitude of the leader is negative and his or her
Michelle Robinson
LDR/531
April 18, 2012
Tammy Duty-Segura
Leadership Approach
Great deals of approaches exist when a person is studying leadership; therefore, he or she has options to choose from. This paper will describe one of the major approaches to studying leadership along with the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen leadership approach. Furthermore, the paper will provide an example in which this leadership approach is used in an organization of previous employment.
Trait Approach
The trait approach is one of the earliest approaches to studying leadership. This approach highlights characteristics of leaders such as behavior, intentions, ethics, and skills. The trait approach studies natural leaders who have precise awareness and influences to help others believe the leader’s approaches (Yukl, 2010). The trait approach emphasizes that leaders are born with leadership characteristics and that these characteristics permit them to be great leaders. As with any other approach, the trait approach inhabits strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
When looking at leadership from a trait approach, several solid characteristics exist. One of those characteristics is personality. Personality is important especially in the work place and can set the tone of the environment. For example, if a manager/leader has a positive attitude and approach to employees during a situation then the outcome will be positive. When employees are happy and working in positive atmosphere achievements and goals are accomplished. An additional strength of the trait approach is that the approach provides a deep understanding of what makes an individual successful as a leader. This will help future theorists because he or she will have a list of traits that predict leadership.
Personality is strength for the trait approach as well as a weakness. Many leaders are strong minded and persuasive. If the attitude of the leader is negative and his or her
References: Travis, E. (1999-2012). The Trait Approach to Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_7750063_trait-approach-leadership.html Yukl, G. A. (2010). Leadership in organizations (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.