Like many people, I was heavily involved in sports as a child. Most of my understanding of a group dynamic specifically focused around roles comes from sports. Each team has roles that must be filled and each player must adapt to fill the required role. The captain was not always the best leader of a team. Often, they were the most skilled. Thankfully there are always co-captains for each team, someone to exemplify the skill aspect, but others to reflect true leadership. Often, these people were the ones that were able to unify the team for the common goal of a championship.
These people demonstrated self-confidence, determination and sociability. These are only a few of the major leadership traits (Northouse, 2013, p.23). It sounds simple, but we look to a leader to lead. We must be assured that their direction is the correct one. Self-guessing is not something that a true leader can demonstrate. The loss of confidence in a leader is detrimental to the overall group and is catastrophic.
The determination required by a leader is a difficult trait to teach. In my opinion, you either have it or you don’t. This is the trait that demonstrates someones commitment to the goal. Who will work the hardest? Who will do what is necessary to overcome obstacles? You look to a leader for this inspiration. We all have this person in our lives, someone that we look to as the example.
Sociability is perhaps the most important trait for a leader. Relationships make the world go around. A leader must be friendly, outgoing and courteous (Northouse, 2013, p.26). I have none several team leaders that are determined, are confident, but seem to lose something due to their personality. Fortunately this can be taught and a person can work on this trait. Considering that leadership is a process that occurs in a group setting, being able to forge relationships is a key trait (PSU, WC, L.1, P.4).
Traits are essential for any good leader as they open the door for a good leader. The leader still must possess the skills to perform adequately, but the traits are the first step. You cannot be appointed to a leadership position without being recognized in having certain traits that every company looks for. Consider it the invitation. What you do at the event is up to you.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice (Sixth ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Penn State World Campus. (2014). Lesson 1: Introduction to Leadership. Retrieved June 21, 2014, from Psych 485: Leadership in Work Settings: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/su14/psych485/002/content/01_lesson/printlesson.html
I can very much relate to your sports team analogy. It is always the superstars and overachievers who are appointed to leadership position such as team captain. I have always found this approach to be detrimental because it deemphasizes the team and sets up an in-house competition which drives resentment when what the lesser talented team members need is positive encouragement and support to improve themselves. The coaches appoint captains because they want to emphasize winning and that the role of winning is due to the performance of the leader. A true leader puts himself last (Lao Tzu) and helps everyone rise up.