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Did you know that some scholars believe that leaders are born with leadership traits? Yes, the debate over whether leadership qualities are innate or learned has been ongoing for a long time in the field of leadership studies. Stodgill a prominent leadership researcher, “believed that leadership qualities were largely inherited and that certain individuals were born with inherent leadership traits that inclined them to be effective leaders” (Stodgill 1982-01-05) . Nevertheless, effective leaders are the pivotal foundation for successful organizations; helping to develop the structure, guidelines and expectations for others to embrace and follow.
Leadership is a process that involves influencing a group to achieve a common goal. For instance, when I was a single parent raising four children, I had to tailor my leadership style to each child's unique needs, requiring negotiations and compromises for a harmonious home environment. Effective leadership goes beyond authority, or traits; it involves adapting the leadership to suit the team being led. These qualities, such as resiliency, optimism, flexibility, integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, and vision, are crucial for leaders to navigate challenges, inspire others, and drive positive change within the team.
Therefore, leaders play a crucial role in fostering harmonious relationships with in groups and building effective teams and coalitions. Strong leadership is essential for creating a positive work environment, promoting collaboration, an achieving collective goals. For example, the captain of a football team does not have to play every position but has a way influencing others through personal power.
Ultimately, while some individuals may naturally possess certain traits that make them more inclined to be effective leaders, the consensus among many scholars today is that leadership is a dynamic and malleable skill that can be learned and improved upon through conscious effort and experience. Secondly, the traditional notion of the man being the head of the household, CEO’s, electricians or Mechanics has been evolving, and women often play significant leadership roles within families, business, construction in and communities. Leadership is not restricted by gender, and individuals can demonstrate leadership qualities regardless of societal norms or expectations. Leadership development programs, mentoring, coaching, and other interventions can help individuals enhance their leadership abilities and become more effective leaders in a democratic and inclusive way.
In summary, while many contemporary leadership theories and models, such as transformational leadership and servant leadership, emphasize the idea that leadership is a skill that can be cultivated and honed through practice and self- awareness. These theories often focus on the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and other qualities that can be learned and developed. Later scholars and researchers have argued that leadership qualities can indeed be learned and developed over time through experience, training, and education.
The Key to Effective Leadership:
Leadership is a process of influencing a group to achieve a common goal, requiring adaptability to suit the needs of the team being led.
Leadership plays a critical role in fostering harmonious relationships, building effective teams, and achieving collective goals by delegating and effective communication.
Understanding your leadership style (self-awareness) autocratic- “Do as I say”, authoritative- “Visionary”, democratic,” What do you think” or affiliate ”Focus on People first”
Qualities/traits such as resiliency, optimism, integrity, empathy, adaptive behaviors and vision are crucial for leaders to navigate challenges and inspire positive change.
Continuous leadership development programs, mentoring, coaching, and other interventions can help individuals enhance their leadership abilities.
Lastly, leadership is complex and has many facets some people believe
leadership its a trait or ability, some believe its a skill or behavior and, for others
it’s relationship or process. In reality, leadership probably includes all these
dimensions (Northouse n.d.) to be an effective leader.
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Meet the author:
Celeste Y. Houston, MA- Leadership, CLC
Celica Coaching Ministry
Life Coach & Entrepreneur
2021/2023 Board of Director
2020/2021 Greater South Cobb President
2019/2020 Greater South Cobb President
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