Early Trait Theory

In this assignment, you will consider what personality traits are seen in an effective leader and what skills are critical for effective leadership.

Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research the early trait theory.

Based on your research and understanding, complete the following discussion:

• Provide a definition of leadership. First, give a textbook definition and then your own personal definition.
• List and describe the critical skills required of leaders.
• Using the early trait theory, list and describe common traits of leaders and managers.
• List and describe the various leadership styles. According to you, which of these leadership styles is the best? Why?
• Think about a time in your life when you engaged in an effective leadership performance. The role could be personal or work-related, such as organizing your church's choir, coaching your son or daughter's soccer team, leading your work team through reorganization, and so on. Apply these leadership concepts and theories to the time you served as a leader and answer the following questions:
  • What was the situation?
  • Where and when did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • What were the results?
  • What was your role?
  • What leadership style did you employ?
  • What critical skills did you use or display that made you an effective leader?
  • What traits of a leader do you possess that helped make you effective?
• Think about a time when you were a member of a group or team that was led by an ineffective leader. Apply the leadership concepts and theories to the ineffective leader and answer the following questions:
  • What was the situation?
  • Where and when did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • What were the results?
  • What was your role?
  • What leadership style did the leader employ? Do you believe it was the right style for the situation? Explain why or why not.
  • What critical skills did the leader lack that made him or her ineffective as a leader?
  • What traits did the leader lack that made him or her ineffective?
  • What could the leader have done in order for there to have been a more favorable outcome?