Leader
Leader
A person is said to be a leader when he is able to influence others and make them accept his guidance, suggestions and directions. A manager is said to be a leader of the organization. S/he will be a successful manager only if s/he is able to influence the attitude and behaviour of the subordinates.
Trait Theory
Trait theory is the traditional theory of leadership which rests the assumptions that individual is more important than the situation and consequently if we can identify the distinctive traits of successful leaders, we can have clue to leadership problem. According to this theory, it is believed that leader, possess certain in born special traits. Thus, an effective leader is supposed to poses certain abilities such as to probe other’s minds, to predict future events, to command predictable obedience etc. Leadership under this theory is generally thought in terms of personal quality rather than as an organisation function
The following are the characteristics of trait theory:
Psychological characteristics: Age, height, weight dies
Background characteristics: Education, experience, social status, mobility
Social characteristics: Tact, diplomacy, prestige, supervisory, ability, cooperativeness, and popularity
Task related characteristics: Initiative, persistence, need for achievement, responsibility
Intelligence characteristics: ability, judgment, knowledge
Personality characteristics: self-confidence, enthusing, decisiveness, aggressiveness, and extroversion, decisiveness, alertness, dominance, authoritarianism, independence etc.
Many people have traits specified for leaders and still do not show leadership. Some of the traits may describe a successful leader but predicting successful leaders on the basis of traits alone is not a correct approach
Qualities of a Successful Leader
The key qualities essential to be successful leader are explained briefly.
1) Intelligence: A successful leader must have above average knowledge and intelligence. Mental ability to think precisely, analyze accurately, interpret clearly and consciously are necessary to consider the problems in the right perspective.
2) Maturity: A leader should possess a high level of emotional stability and cool temperament. He needs to have a high degree of tolerance.
3) Sound health: Sound physical and mental health is essential to bear the burden of leadership. Sound health includes physical stamina, nervous, energy, mental vigour and important leadership qualities.
4) Self confidence: He should have confidence in himself and a strong will power.
5) Empathy: The leader must have the ability to see things from other’s point of view. He must respect the viewpoints and feelings of others.
6) Foresight and vision: He should have the capability to look forward and anticipate the events. He should have a high degree of imagination, moral courage, breadth and determination.
7) Decisiveness: A leader must have sound judgment and the ability to take quick decisions.
8) Human relations approach: A leader must have the capacity to understand people, work with them and gain their confidence, loyalty and voluntary cooperation. He must be able to motivate people towards higher performance.
9) Responsibility: A leader should be a responsible person and must be willing to assume responsibility for the consequences.
10) Objectivity: A good leader should be fair and objective in dealing with subordinates. He must be free from bias and prejudice.