A511.4.3.RB - Leadership Traits
In order to be an effective leader, one must be willing to go the extra mile to show their subordinates they are capable of the job. Forck (2011) said that effective leadership is knowing you did your absolute best, push limits as far as possible and courageously show up again the next day is an example of leadership. What personality traits stand out for effective leaders, what skills are necessary for effective leadership, what competencies do managers need in order to be effective?
For leaders to be effective in the workforce and gain the trust and workmanship from their subordinates, one must have certain personality traits, confirmed by research (Yukl, 2013). The personality traits that one must exhibit are high energy levels with stress tolerance, emotional maturity, personal integrity, moderately high self-confidence and a moderately low need for affiliation. Leaders should be able to effectively solve problems, in order to do so they need to remain calm and stay in control of their feelings and emotions, it is important to focus solely on the problem rather than panic or deny the problem exists (Yukl, 2013). Leaders should have self-confidence in order to make decisions, guide their subordinates with care, and charisma to speak clearly with confidence (Yukl, 2013). Emotional maturity is essential for leaders because they are less self-centered and they care more for others. Individuals who are emotionally mature Yukl (2013) indicates are less impulsive and will make decisions based on rational reasoning verses emotionally immature individuals who respond impulsively and irrational. Other effective personality traits of leaders include power motivation and personal integrity. Yukl (2013) describes power motivation as an individual who enjoys influencing other people and one who wants a position of authority. Personal integrity is important for leadership because the behavior of an individual should be consistent and reflect their values, honesty, and ethical beliefs (Yukl, 2013). Leaders must be honest and ethical with their subordinates, otherwise they will not reciprocate their integrity.
Research has identified several skills necessary for leaders, these include technical skills, conceptual skills, and interpersonal skills (Yukl, 2013). The primary skill for a leader is technical skills, which Yukl (2013) describes as knowledge about methods, processes, and equipment for conducting the specialized activities of the managers organizational unit. One must also have factual knowledge about the organization as a whole. Yukl (2013) describes conceptual skills, also known as cognitive skills, as having good judgment, intuition, creative, and one’s ability to find purpose during uncertain events. Finally, Yukl (2013) describes interpersonal skills, also known as social skills, as one who understands human behavior, feelings, attitudes, and motives of others. In order for a leader to influence their subordinates, they must have interpersonal skills because communication is essential along with empathy to understand subordinates feelings (Yukl, 2013). How can a leader improve their interpersonal skills in the workforce? What are personal skills (2015), provides a few tips to improve one’s interpersonal skills which include taking time to listen to others, being aware of the words one uses with others, be positive, and clarify intentions in order to avoid miscommunication.
Managers and leaders should have a few recognizable competencies in order to reflect their capabilities and skills. Emotional intelligence is the understanding of one’s personal feeling and how it affects others. Yukl (2013) describes empathy as a part of emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize moods and emotions of others, one must be able to differentiate between others feelings and emotions and their own in order to respond accordingly. Social intelligence is described by Yukl (2013) as the ability to understand the functional needs, problems, and opportunities for a group or organization. Leaders should be flexible to understand the willingness and ability of subordinates. Finally, leaders should learn from mistakes and adapt to change, this is part of one’s learning ability (Yukl, 2013). Research provides evidence that the ability to learn to adapt to change is essential for effective leadership (Yukl, 2013).
In conclusion, several personality traits, skills, and competencies are necessary for successful leaders to have an impact with their subordinates. The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority (Kenneth Blanchard).
References
Forck, M. (2011). Courageous leadership: Three traits to expand your influence. Professional Safety, 56(3), 34-35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/855819501?accountid=27203
What are Interpersonal Skills? (2015). Retrieved September 5, 2015, from Skills You Need website:http://www.skillsyouneed.com/interpersonal-skills.html
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (Eighth ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
