Borrowing from the trait approach in leadership theory, in this post I will be expanding on intelligence–in all of its theories of multiplicity. Before I begin, I’d like to share with you my path to this topic. Until recently, I believed that leaders were predetermined by a compilation of traits that some fortunate people possess (likely born with). I thought for sure there was a universal checklist of leadership traits that confirmed an individual as a leader. To my surprise, “the trait approach has failed to provide a definitive list of leadership traits” (Northouse, pg.41). This only started making sense to me after I read Northouse’s major leadership traits: intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, & sociability (pg.23). I thought to myself, “Hey…I must be a leader because I possess all these traits!” but then a long list of reasons why I’m not a leader now flooded into my mind. Eventually I’ve come to agree that “leadership is not primarily a particular personality trait” (Chand, 2018) and Leadership is more a complex process (Northouse, pg. 17). Nonetheless, I cannot abandon the notion that traits are related. So my inquiry became what is the most important trait? At first thought, I believed it to be intelligence. Not just IQ, but the full spectrum of intelligence.
I’ve previously read on emotional intelligence (EQ) and at the time it made a lot of sense to me that this is different than IQ, but likely just as important. The components of emotional intelligence include “self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill” (Goleman, 2005). I’ve previously read on social intelligence, and like EQ, I thought it was very important. Social intelligence explains the accuracy of first impressions, the basis of charisma and emotional power, the complexity of sexual attraction, and how we detect lies (Goleman, 2006). This previous understanding of “other” forms of intelligence inspired me to write this paper on the necessity of having a multidimensional intelligence (i.e. to be a leader). But does that make sense? While researching for this post, I’ve found so many theories on different intelligence models I’ve never heard of, that maybe I’m quite unintelligent! Or maybe not. What if all these other forms of intelligence are just groups of traits packaged together and labeled wholesale as a form of intelligence. If I think of it that way the confusion clears and I can see IQ and other traits for what they really are–personal attributes that simply effect the process, situation, and outcomes of leadership.
I do still believe that intelligence is an important trait for a leader, but I’m not convinced that IQ is more important than other traits such as extraversion, charisma, or critical thinking. Leadership is not something that can be predicted simply based on traits. And I have not found any evidence to support that intelligence is more important than other traits. “People who possess certain traits that make them leaders in one situation may not be leaders in another situation” (Northouse, pg.31).
In reviewing my thinking, I’m proud of myself because I would have been correct if other forms of intelligence were scientifically backed. What I mean is that if a leader had high aptitudes in all the various trending intelligence theories, that individual would likely possess hundreds of useful traits or skills. Having one giant label for hundreds of (leadership useful) traits is of course stronger than one stand alone trait. However, “if no-one is really sure what these supposed ‘intelligences’ really are or how to assess them, then generating scientific support for them would appear to be quite difficult”(McGreal, 2013). Although, “HBR’s editors reported on the strong link between empathetic leaders and financial performance” (Ovans, 2015), again, this is just one trait (empathy) and it’s outcome doesn’t erase the need to consider the process and situation as well.
In conclusion, I’ve come full circle in intelligence; “Intelligence is not enough to guarantee leadership success” (PSU, 2018). Although I set out to prove my professor wrong, I’ve come to agree now. Intelligence is only one trait in a long list of other very important traits for leadership. The smarter way to evaluate intelligence is “as one factor, intelligence is often referred to as general mental ability (GMA) or general factor (g factor) or g for short. More commonly, g is referred to as IQ (intelligence quotient), but that term actually refers to a score on an intelligence test” (PSU, 2018). While the g factor is advantageous to leadership ability, other traits, skills, temperaments are often as important, or more important depending on the leader/follower group, the situation, and the goals sought.
Works Cited
Chand, Smriti. (2018) Leadership: Characteristics, Principles, Types, and Issues Regarding Leadership. Accessed on 5-19-18 at
Goleman, D. (2005). Emotional intelligence (10th anniversary trade pbk. ed.). New York: Bantam Books.
Goleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. New York: Bantam Books.
McGreal, Scott. (2013) Psychology Today. The Illusory Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences has never been validated. Accessed on 5-19-18 at
Pennsylvania State University. (2018). Lesson 2: Trait Approach. Intelligence and Leadership. PSYCH 485. Accessed on 5-19-18 at
Pennsylvania State University. (2018). Lesson 2: Trait Approach. g Factor. Accessed on 5-19-18 at
Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Ovans, Andrea. (2015) Harvard Business Review. Emotional intelligence. How Emotional Intelligence Became a Key Leadership Skill
Moataz Moustafa Sidahmed says
Hey there,
You know I was fascinated with emotional intelligence for a while and it is really to adapt. As for IQ this is debatable yet I am not saying it is less important, it is very important. What I am trying to say is, a combination of both is great. Have you heard of Christopher Langan? Well he is rated as one of the highest IQ scores in the world. Guess what? He is a bouncer.
Moving on to the components you listed. All these components cited by (Goleman, 2005) are vital and critical regardless of emotional intelligence. Think of it, it should apply to you, me and everyone who wants to enhance performance. And also it can be great in every aspect in your routine.
I learnt from your post and have made my self research! Thank you for that!
Have a great day ahead !
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Langan