Some of the tenets for leadership theories are anchored on leadership traits. A trait or characteristic can be defined as something that is a permanent part of a person’s personality or being. There are some instances where a person can actually change a trait, and there are other times when a person can control a trait in order to fit into a certain lifestyle. Often, leadership traits can be an effect of the culture in which a person is raised. A person who is raised in Japan will not possess the same characteristics as someone who was born and raised in the United States, but this does not necessarily mean that this person cannot become an effective leader in the United States.

According to leadership theories, leadership traits are usually determined by a person’s lifestyle and cultural background. A trait can neither be right or wrong, but a person’s leadership strength can be determined by how that person controls that trait for the benefit of their development. When one becomes a leader in a culture different from which he or she was raised, one must adapt to the current environment if they want to be a successful leader. Often, both cultures are combined to create a comfortable middle ground in which is suitable for everyone.

Leadership Traits That Determine Success Or Failure

There are certain characteristics that employees expect their leaders to possess. There are also traits that a leader can have that will also make it difficult for their employees to follow them. Any leadership theory would tell you that a leader cannot be selfish. Selfishness does not help create a productive environment; instead it will produce the opposite of which.

Some people have explosive tempers and have a difficult time controlling them. Being an effective leader means not letting your temper get the better of you in front of your subordinates. A good leader knows that they need to take the time to calm down before confronting someone who has done something wrong.

Leadership theories often emulate leadership traits that lead to success such as enthusiasm and self-assurance. A true leader is genuinely enthusiastic and this enthusiasm eventually filters down to their employees. Employees will possess emotional stability and become determined to achieve success. They will become confident with themselves that they can get the job done. They will be strong-willed, but approachable and open to suggestions at the same time.

For a leader to be successful, they must have a concept of leadership theories and leadership traits to know how to lead. Someone who is too set in their ways will probably fail because they do not possess the capacity for change. Good leaders also know how to empathize with their employees. Not caring about the well-being of your employees do not make them motivated to do their jobs well.

A lot of people think that leadership is something that can be taken lightly. Many consider charismatic leadership to be inherent. Persons who are promoted to management positions have the misconception that this automatically ensures that you will be a good leader. Some of them also think that since people are supposed to follow them, and others are supposed to obey their dictates, that these people will actually follow them and do what they say.

Leadership is something has to be earned. While the principles of charismatic leadership can be taught, the desire for learning has to come from you. Being a charismatic leader means you have to care about your tasks, about the people you are leading and about setting a good example for others to follow.

Setting A Good Example

If you don’t set a good example, you are not exhibiting qualities of a charismatic leader. For instance, if you forbid your subordinates to take smoke breaks, then you go out and have a smoke break of your own, what does that say about you as a leader? You have to practice what you preach. They may continue to follow your orders because they want to keep their jobs but they will not have any respect for you. They’re probably start talking badly behind your back and then the entire organization will become involved.

Respect

Respect is a huge part of leadership. Just as leadership is earned, so too is respect. Respect is from others is not something you can force other people to do. Many people think that by instilling fear you can force other people to follow your leadership. Sure, people will do what you tell them to do but they will ultimately end up resenting you. They’re going to fear you instead of giving you respect.

Good Leadership

You need to believe in whatever goal your team is trying to achieve. Charismatic leadership means being firm but fair and being capable of setting a good example. Practicing these tenets shows your subordinates that you truly have passion for what you’re doing, then your organization or whatever else your leading, is sure to succeed. For further references, think back to a charismatic leader that you had worked with in the past and try to follow their example. You can be become a charismatic leader, it takes a little time but it will be worth it.

Studies on SWOT analysis shows that servant leadership is a concept that works well for leaders who want to inspire the team, rather than dictate to them. In this type of leadership the leader plays the role of the steward of resources, whether it be in business organizations or in the classroom setting. The leader is a position where they are serving the followers all while paying close attention to the results of the project or work of the group.

The Beginning

Robert Greenleaf coined the term servant leadership. In his theory of servant leadership, the leader plays a much more important role than just leading a group of people towards a common goal. Instead, the leader becomes much like a parent figure. The leader is the person who regulates the resources for the project, giving out what is needed when it is needed. But it doesn’t mean that the leader in this category is not subject to the responsibilities of a common type of leader. By using SWOT analysis, the leader can monitor the progress of the project and make sure the group is meeting their deadlines. In servant leadership the leader is obligated to uphold the standards and values of the company to complete the project.

The concept of servant leadership has been around for as far back as a thousand years, although Greenleaf is generally credited for coining the phrase. It is an ingrained concept that people take mostly through a type of Christian spirituality. Although servant leadership is a concept that works well in religious settings, it can also be utilized in business and education to teach compassion to the followers. By having a leader that care for more than just the bottom line, people are happier and more willing to work towards that common goal. Inspirational leaders make better leaders because the followers feel more towards the leader than just an obligation to get the job done. They feel like they are making a difference, and that makes them work harder to achieve their goals.

Servant leadership is a good concept to utilize whenever possible. SWOT Analysis reveals that compassionate leaders and followers that are dedicated to achieve a common goal not for oneself but for the entire team in general. It helps people to know that they are working for each other, and not working under someone. Effective leadership starts with caring about the people as well as the end product. When people are happier about what they are doing, your company SWOT Analysis will reveal more strengths and opportunities, rather than weaknesses and threats.

There are many different leadership theories, as well as many different styles of leadership. These theories have changed over time, and some are viewed as being better or more effective than others. One of the most popular leadership theories that is relevant today is that of transformational leadership. Transformational leadership differs greatly from any of the other leadership theories, but is sometimes considered as one of the most effective in these modern times.

Defining the Concept

Transformational Leadership is otherwise known as Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory. According to Bass, there are three ways in which leaders can motivate their followers, which are by encouraging them to focus first on organizational and team goals as opposed to their own interests, by increasing their awareness of task importance and value, and by activating their needs for higher order.

Causing A Transformation

Bass’ theory sounds good, but how can a leader use this theory to cause change in the followers? Bass has identified seven components of transformational leadership that allows the theory to become a reality. The first four of these components are related to or have something to do with charisma. Charisma is a trait seen is being important in a transformational leader. The four charismatic components are individualized consideration, idealized influence, inspirational motivation, and intellectual stimulation.

The final three components of transformational leadership concerns the moral aspect. These includes the moral character of the leader, the values that can be found in the leader’s vision and program, as well as the morality of the processes and action of the leader’s team.

The Difference It Makes

The major differences between transformational leadership and other forms of leadership theories is that transformational leadership focuses mainly on the goals and aspirations of the group itself. Other forms of leadership may tend to focus on opposing groups in order to unite the group and create a stronger sense of unity.

If you work for a transformational leader, the major difference you will notice is the level of excitement and passion that they themselves possess and that they inspire in all of their followers. This is a characteristic that is not unique in transformational leadership, but that is most common in this area.

Inspired Devotion

A leader requires only two things including a goal and people to help him or her reach that goal. If you are passionate about the first and have the ability to make others feel the same way, then the second will not take long to follow.

Many people believe that leadership is a natural ability—some people are simply born to do it. Thinking back to history, you will see that there are some personas occupying leadership roles who, at first, do not seem be likely candidates for taking on the responsibilities of leadership. The nature of leadership has repeatedly become the subject of much debate, but the answer may perhaps lie somewhere in the middle. While leadership skills may come naturally, they cannot be optimized without undergoing leadership training exercises.

Although there are some skeptics who will disagree, the fact is that leadership can, indeed, be taught. When one hears of leadership training exercises, they think of business seminars and teamwork activities in company retreats. However, these types of events are geared more towards developing management skills rather than leadership. Leadership can only be taught through specific types of leadership training exercises.

One example of leadership training exercises is possibly the most common — college! Though this may seem too typical to be true, the fact is that many institutions offering college education offer leadership classes as a part of their curriculum for political science departments. Other schools, such as West Point, offer students opportunities to become real life leaders early on. This is a type of leadership training that is something you cannot get from anywhere else.

Hands-on experience is another extension of leadership training exercises. Internships and job experience can provide excellent training in leadership. However, since you are still under the supervision of the actual leader, there is no pressure and there is plenty of opportunity to learn from them. This kind of training provides the best of both worlds.

Guidance Makes All The Difference

While some skills like organization, extroversion and people skills are inherent, these alone cannot make a good leader. What makes all the difference is undergoing leadership training exercises. Leadership training exercises will give you the opportunity to not only refine these skills, but also add and develop new ones that can also be useful in real-world situations.

The development of these skills provides you with a more broad knowledge of leadership, the benefits of which far outweigh those of specific topics. The knowledge of specific topics is necessary for a follower, as the knowledge of how followers should work together is also important for a leader.

Leadership training exercises can help those who were born with natural leadership abilities to become excellent leaders, and for those who were not, to develop the necessary leadership skills that they will need. Training is not a guarantee of success but rather it ensures that those born with the potential to lead are given proper guidance on how to maximize that certain potential.