Trait-Based Perspectives Of Leadership

Trait-based perspectives of leadership have been an enduring topic throughout history. The actual inception of leadership and trait-based perspectives is arguable. However, there is no denying its evolution, as seen through research. Zaccaro (2007) stated the analysis of leadership and traits dates back to Galton’s (1869) Hereditary Genius, which articulated two distinct and important points. First, a definition of leadership, which describes exclusive and unique characteristics, possessed by individuals. These individuals were so compelling they were capable of changing the path of events with their judgment and decisions (Zaccaro, 2007). This point while antiquated and dated appeared to be the pioneer of the transformational leadership,
However, he insightfully identifies a few flaws and raises some new questions. First, the literature is not very well integrated. Second, the literature appeared to ignore the requirements of the followers. Finally, most literature focused on the direct issues of leadership without consideration of the entire function (Van Vugt et.al, 2008). The idea of leadership and the traits that contribute to it has experienced a fascinating transformation over time. During the evolution of leadership research, information was obtained, and questions continued, but most interesting of all is the cyclical nature of the trait-based perspective of leadership. There appeared to be recurrent questions and themes as research attempts to determine the formula for effective
The working definition implies that literature has not agreed upon one, single, concert definition of leadership. In fact, literature has offered many different definitions of leadership, but how do we pick just one? Summerfield (2014) discussed three thematic elements associated with a majority of the most noteworthy leadership definitions. He identified a democratic component, a collegial component, and an enhancement component. He believes leadership involved working toward a common goal and conveying a concept, which is agreed upon by a group. In his definition of leadership, a leader utilizes influence rather than dictating through a process. The definition concludes acknowledging that a leader achieves results, which improves a current state or path (Summerfield, 2014). The synthesis of Summerfield’s (2014) components leads to one very simple definition of leadership, “making things better.” This definition of leadership although rather simple applies to the all the trends and transformation of leadership traits, as seen throughout