Leadership Theories Essay -- Trait Theory

Trait TheoryLeadership is a butt on whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common aspiration (Northouse, 2010, pg. 3).In an increasingly politically correct, democratic societywhere equality of intervention and equity of proscribedcome oftentimes overshadow individual performance trace hypothesis of leadership has managed to survive. Instead of focusing on the context of a specific leadership situation or the subordinates in an organization, trait speculation targets solely the man or woman in charge. Essentially, trait surmise suggests that potential leaders and great leaders who have already demonstrate success are best analyzed in a vacuum. eyepatch trait theory may have fallen in an out of favor over the past degree centigrade, it does have certain advantages that are specially pertinent to those in the military. Before treading any further into its occupational applicability, however, the subscriber will benefit from a brief survey of trait theorys origins, salute, strengths, and critiques. OriginsArguably the first approach to the study of leadership, the trait approach was employed in the field long before it was tackled in the classroom. after all, Sun Tzu preached know your enemy (Sun Tzu, 2006 pg. 34) long before Socrates entreated students to know thyself (Brickhouse, 1996, pg. 74). From ancient battlefields to philosophical mysteries, understanding the inherent characteristics of a person has proven a worthy goal. Peoples aspirations to leadership however, had yet to be matched with a theoretical basis for many years. It was not until the early 20th century that the topic found itself under the scholars gaze. Approach sign studies often focused on the great man approach, whereby already s... ... pg. 26).Together, trait theory and LMX theory can help explain not only how perceptions are formed about individuals, but how those perceptions can be injurious to the organization. More specifically, by using trait theory to form an contiguous assessment on an individual, a leader is more(prenominal) likely to speckle that individual in the in-group or out-group. As a future platoon leader, it is in particular important for me to maintain a vigilant stance toward bias. As the line of the position mounts, I know that I will be more likely to resort to spontaneous judgments about people. Depending how the given situation is resolved, the soldiers relate (or left uninvolved) may feel as if they are members of an in-group or out-group. By knowing and employing these and other theories to my advantage, I hope to emerge as an pliant and deliberate leader of soldiers.