In reflecting about what is a remarkable leader, I recognized that the traits of Outgoing, Friendly, and Sensitive are traits that least affects my vision of a remarkable leader; conversely, Self-Confidant, Determined, and Empathetic are the three traits that most influence my definition.
The traits that least affected my impression were: Outgoing, where a leader talks freely and gets along well with others, Friendly where s/he demonstrates kindness and is warm, and Sensitive, where the leader shows tolerance and is tactful and sympathetic (Northhouse, 2013, p24). Although these traits are important, I found they are not amongst the traits that I typically look for first in a leader or the traits that necessarily affect my overall opinion of a leader.
Since I have studied leadership my whole life I would say that the traits in Northhouse’s discussion did influence me. I had the pleasure of serving under the leadership of Dr. Dean A. Nowowiejski, COL (R). His demeanor naturally exuded self-confidence. Self-confidence is the ability to be certain about one’s competencies and skills (Northhouse, 2013, p24). He knew what he knew, and you could rest assured that nothing would shake him. Another trait I observed was his determination. Determination is the desire to get the job done and includes characteristics such as initiative, persistence, dominance, and drive (Northhouse, 2013, p25). I recall during an organizational rebalance, the organizations within Europe were being renamed. While all the other organizations were renaming themselves for the town in which their headquarters was based, He refused and fought for our installation to be called for the area we represented. Many thought he was crazy, but in the end, his determination coupled with his persistence paid off. Although this may seem as a frivolous example, the reason he wanted our base to be named after the region we represented was to ensure that senior leadership understood that our footprint was larger than just one country. It was amazing that no one else saw the importance of identifying the footprint our base represented. The last trait that I appreciated was his empathy. He had an uncanny ability to know where you were coming from and could identify with you. This ability was key in helping him help you see his vision and buy into that vision. He knew where he was going and did not want you to mindlessly follow but rather understand where he was leading and follow deliberately.
I completed the LQE based on my perception of COL (R) Nowowiejski and I am not certain that after completing this survey that if my perceptions were unduly affected by some of these traits. In order for me to follow someone, it is important they possess the traits of self-confidence, determination, and empathy.
LTQ for Dr. Dean A. Nowowiejski
Trait/Score
Articulate 5
Perceptive 5
Self-Confidant 5
Persistent 5
Determined 5
Trustworthy 4
Dependable 5
Friendly 4
Outgoing 5
Conscientious 4
Diligent 5
Sensitive 4
Empathetic 5
Dr. Nowowiejski is the Ike Skelton Distinguished Chair for the Art of War at US Army Command and General Staff College and he has been published several times. He graduated for the US Military Academy and received his PhD from Princton.
Northouse, P. (2013). Introduction. In Leadership: Theory and practice (6th ed., pp. 19-42, 26-39). Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Pennsylvania State World Campus (n.d.). Module 2 Trait approach. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1486679/modules/items/15958777