Common Traits of Leaders

An Introduction to “Classic” Leadership Theory, with a twist

Scott A. Booher and Carl B. Watson

The institute For
Leadership Dynamics

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 The Art

• When do you know that you are an

effective leader?

• Leadership is an art
– What is an art?
– It is a process
– It is constant effort

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 General Approaches to
Leadership (Style)

• Autocratic
– Authoritarian
• Participative
– Democratic
• Laissez-Faire
– Non-leadership
• Variable

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 What Are Traits?
• Traits are our general orientation towards
people and things.
– They lead us to display consistent behavior
across different situations.
– In short, they are very strong preferences.

• There are certain personality traits that lead

to outstanding leadership.
Copyright 1998, The Institute for L
eadership Dynamics
 Common Traits of Leaders

• Integrity

• Professional Competence
• Intelligence

• Energy and Drive

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 Common Traits of Leaders

• Self-Confidence

• Emotional Stability

• Desire to Lead

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 Leadership Principles

• Leadership principles are suggestions of

appropriate actions that aid leadership
success.

• Following these guidelines helps you instill

the traits.

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 The Leadership Principles

• Be morally courageous
• Know your people
• Keep your people informed
• Avoid developing a clique
• Be loyal
• Set the example

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 Johari’s Window

Known to self Unknown to self

Known to others Public Blind

Unknown to others Private Unknown

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics
 Bringing It All Together:
“E-Cubed”

Integrity of Character

Enable Empower Energize

•Professional •Desire to Lead •Self-confidence
Competence •Energy and Drive
•Know your people •Emotional Stability
•Keep People •Set-the-example
•Intelligence
Informed •Be Loyal
•Avoid Cliques

Moral Courage
Copyright 1998, The Institute for L
eadership Dynamics
When do you know that you are
a great leader?

Copyright 1998, The Institute for L

eadership Dynamics