Trait Theory of Leadership

The trait theory is  one of the oldest theories in existence seeking to describe great leadership. It developed off the great man theory which was popularized by the Scottish philosopher & teacher Thomas Carlyle in the 1840s.

Later 1974 Kelly was described this theory  and there was an attempt to classify what personal characteristics such as physical , mental and relating to personality are associated with the success of leadership.

There are some characteristics that determine a good leader:

·         Personality

·         Charisma

·         Self confidence

·         Achievement

What is Trait Theory…

The Trait theory of Leadership is an early assumption that leaders are born & due to this belief , those that possess the correct qualities & traits  are better suited to leadership. The resulting lists of traits are then compared to those of potential leaders to assess their both successful or unsuccessful. And also trait theorists are basically interested in the measurement of traits , which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior ,thought & emotion.

How ever the trait model of leadership is based on the characteristics of many leaders both success of failure and is used to predict leadership effectiveness.

Advantages of Trait Theory…

·         It is naturally pleasing theory

·         It can be applied by people at all levels in all types of organizations.

·         It gives a detailed knowledge and understanding of the leader element in the leadership process.

·         It is valid as lot of research has validated the foundation and basis of the theory

·         It serves as yardstick against which the leadership traits of an individual can be assessed.

Limitations of Trait Theory…

·         The theory is very complex.

·         Traits predict behavior better in “weak” than “strong” situations.

·         No universal trait that predicts leadership in all situations.

·         The list possible traits tends to be very long.

·         There is also a disagreement over which  traits are the most important for an effective leader.

Practical applications of the trait theory….

·         Use assessment to identify and compare that traits that an individual posses and use trait measures to assess your own characteristics.

·         Use assessment tests to understand your strengths and weaknesses with regard to leadership

·         Use assessment to determine careers or development needs that fit your personality & therefore offers a greater chance of success

·         Use the assessment result to understand the traits that are good to have if one aspires for a leadership position.

·         Identify the areas in which you may want to get more training to enhance the levels.

Finally we can identify that, the trait theories of leadership is the ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals.  

References:

www.cleverism.com

www.educational-business-articles.com

www.courseslumenlearning.com

www.technofunc.com

www.coursehero.com

Leadership & Management

Definition

What is Leadership…..

Leadership is setting up a new direction or vision to achieve a common goal with a motivated group. It means the person in the group that create the combination of personality & leadership skills that makes other persons wants to follow the direction.

However leadership involves establishing a clear vision, sharing the vision with others & they will follow  or providing the information’s , knowledge & method to realize the vision.   

What is Management……

Management can be defined as  the process of administering & controlling the affair of the organization.

However it consists of the interlocking functions of creating organizational policy  & organizing , planning , controlling , & directing an organization’s resource to achieve the objectives of the policy.

Both leadership & management functions are very important. Because leadership is an important function of management which support to increase efficiency & to achieve organizational targets.

Relationship between Leadership & Management

Management consists on planning , organizing ,controlling & directing. Leadership is core part of directing function of management. However leaders concentrate on listening , building relationship , team work & motivating the followers.

Main Functions of Leadership & Management

·         Leadership

11.Setting Goals

22.Organizing & Initiating actions

33.Coordination

44.Relationship between management & workers

55.Motivation

·         Management

11.Planning

22.Organizing

33.Leading

44.Controlling

55.Staffing

Differences between Leadership & Management

The main differences between leadership & management as follows;

Leadership	Management
1)Leadership is a talent of leading people by encouraging themselves.	1)Management is a process & it managing the people & activities of the organization
2)People follow their leaders & leadership should have trust.	2)In management, as a manager needs to control over its subordinates.
3)Leadership is a skill & it can influencing others.	3)Management is the type of the ruling
4)Leadership demands for future	4)Management has a short range vision
5)Guidelines & principles are established in leadership.	5)Policies & procedures are implemented.
6)Leadership effects the changes of the organization.	6)Management effects the stability of the organization.

However finally we can decide that the leadership & management can’t separate , leadership & management are inseparable by nature. If there is management there should be leadership. We can see both management & leadership avail at an organization. And also if there is a manager in a department & several number of leaders work with their teams to support the organization to  achieve the organizational goals. In several times managers play the leaders role too, with organizational demands. Any way organization needs both managers & leaders for the organizational growth & survival.

References :

www.thebalancesmb.com

www.businessdictionary.com

www.managementstudyguide.com

www.yourarticlelibrary.com

www.keydifferences.com