Can certain traits predict your leadership success?
This line of research emerged as one of the first investigations into the nature of effective leadership.
Carlyle’s ideas inspired early research on leadership, which almost entirely focused on inheritable traits.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Researchers found, however, that relatively few traits could be used to distinguish between leaders and followers.
There are obvious flaws in the trait-based theory.
Opinions vary on what those traits are and to what degree they can predict success, if at all.
Within this realm, the ability to influence is arguably more important than the ability to lead.
Generally, a strong leader has many, but not all, of these qualities.
Aspects of the situation also play an important role in determining if people can lead well.
In many cases, it is the interaction between these traits and the situation that determines leadership quality.
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