Traits of a Great Leader The purpose of this paper is to discuss three traits that I believe are critical for all leaders to possess and to discuss which trait of the Big Five Personality Framework is the most critical. Next, I will discuss my behavioral characteristics based on both the Ohio State studies and the transactional versus transformational models. Lastly, I will discuss the primary use of power I would rely on as a CEO with regard to the seven types of power discussed in class.
Three Critical Traits for Leaders
The three leadership traits that I believe are most critical for a leader to possess are: integrity, confidence, and inspiration. First of all, I believe in integrity above all else. Leaders must be honest and have a strong …show more content…
These two categories are basically explained as people-oriented versus task-oriented styles of leadership. Consideration type of leadership tends to focus on relationships and the degree to which leaders are personable and understanding, while initiating structure leadership focuses more on group activities and goal accomplishment. My tendency is toward the initiating structure as I am very goal and task-oriented and like to have team roles clearly defined. Additionally, my experience and skills are in the area of organization and project management, which align well with the initiating structure style. That being said, I truly believe that a balance of the two styles, consideration and initiating structure, are important to be an effective leader. According to Boundless.com, "The LBDQ findings suggest that an effective leader will possess a strong ability to work with others and build a cohesive team but will also balance that with the capability to create structure within which activities can be accomplished. For example, an effective leader must be both personable and empathetic, but he or she will also able to set expectations and guidelines that can motivate and direct the efforts of others" (Boundless.com, 2015). I wholeheartedly agree with that …show more content…
Transactional leaders are results and goal focused and usually are leaders in organizations that require structure such as the military, large corporations, and athletic teams. Four examples of successful transactional leaders ate Norman Schwarzkopf, Bill Gates, Vince Lombardi, and Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks (Spahr, 2014). Transformational leaders are leaders that use influence rather than organizational structure to motivate people. As far as my leadership style goes, I probably am more of a transactional type of leader, but it 's difficult for me to corroborate because I have not been in a position to apply either one of them. I have never had a position in which I had direct reports, supporting the transactional style, while I have only been on project teams managing volunteers, more conducive to a transformational style where there is no clear direct power structure. Because a transformational leadership style tends to work better in a more creative environment, I will have to learn to compensate for my more transactional style in that, as a design manager, I am entering a more creative
Three Critical Traits for Leaders
The three leadership traits that I believe are most critical for a leader to possess are: integrity, confidence, and inspiration. First of all, I believe in integrity above all else. Leaders must be honest and have a strong …show more content…
These two categories are basically explained as people-oriented versus task-oriented styles of leadership. Consideration type of leadership tends to focus on relationships and the degree to which leaders are personable and understanding, while initiating structure leadership focuses more on group activities and goal accomplishment. My tendency is toward the initiating structure as I am very goal and task-oriented and like to have team roles clearly defined. Additionally, my experience and skills are in the area of organization and project management, which align well with the initiating structure style. That being said, I truly believe that a balance of the two styles, consideration and initiating structure, are important to be an effective leader. According to Boundless.com, "The LBDQ findings suggest that an effective leader will possess a strong ability to work with others and build a cohesive team but will also balance that with the capability to create structure within which activities can be accomplished. For example, an effective leader must be both personable and empathetic, but he or she will also able to set expectations and guidelines that can motivate and direct the efforts of others" (Boundless.com, 2015). I wholeheartedly agree with that …show more content…
Transactional leaders are results and goal focused and usually are leaders in organizations that require structure such as the military, large corporations, and athletic teams. Four examples of successful transactional leaders ate Norman Schwarzkopf, Bill Gates, Vince Lombardi, and Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks (Spahr, 2014). Transformational leaders are leaders that use influence rather than organizational structure to motivate people. As far as my leadership style goes, I probably am more of a transactional type of leader, but it 's difficult for me to corroborate because I have not been in a position to apply either one of them. I have never had a position in which I had direct reports, supporting the transactional style, while I have only been on project teams managing volunteers, more conducive to a transformational style where there is no clear direct power structure. Because a transformational leadership style tends to work better in a more creative environment, I will have to learn to compensate for my more transactional style in that, as a design manager, I am entering a more creative