One of the most important themes that surrounds several leadership theories is that certain behaviors that are characteristic of a good leader are learned attributes that can be developed over time (Northouse, 2013). This is known as the skills approach to leadership. In contrast, the trait approach to leadership suggests that leadership attributes are innate and persistent throughout an individual’s life. These attributes include “intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability” (Northouse, 2013, p.23).
Whichever theory is “correct” is outside the scope of this discussion, because it seems likely that individuals will begin to exhibit certain leadership behaviors as their social skills and sense of identity begins to increase in complexity as they transition from childhood to adolescence. If you adhere to the trait theory, adolescence seems like the appropriate time for leadership skills to manifest. If you believe in the skills theory, adolescence also seems like one of many opportunities for an individual to learn leadership skills throughout one’s lifespan.
Why is this worth mentioning? Because childhood into adolescence is also when the two genders start to become very distinct from one another through perceiving and adhering to gender roles and stereotypes. In terms of leadership qualities, men who begin to exhibit attributes such as assertiveness and confidence are praised for it, whereas females who exhibit the same behaviors are referred to with the pejorative term, “bossy” (Conger, 2013).
This means that we are essentially encouraging boys to learn the skills to be effective leaders, while teaching girls to not be leaders because those skills are not consistent with gender stereotypes. We now know that women who are in a position to lead do so just as effectively as men (Northouse, 2013). Unfortunately, is is likely that the predisposition to gender stereotypes in childhood and adolescence discourages many younger females from entertaining the possibility of leadership roles into adulthood. As potential role-models and mentors for both boys and girls, this is something that we all need to keep in mind in order to ensure that the future of our society is placed in the hands of diverse and dynamic men and women.
References
Conger, C. (2013, October 28). Stuff Mom Never Told You: Why ‘Bossy’ Is a Bad Word. Lean in. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://leanin.org/news-inspiration/stuff-mom-never-told-you-why-bossy-is-a-bad-word/
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Robert J Redziniak says
Very true, I have had some great bosses who were women and it should never be gender related.