A trait approach assessment can assist managers with identifying what leadership traits they possess and what traits are weaknesses for them to improve upon. Also, it can be a method that organizations use to analyze leaders by determining what traits their leaders need to possess to make them effective within the organization (Northouse, p. 29).
Sociability is a trait that is important to many organizations and is described as a leader who is, “friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic (Northouse, 2016). A well-known quote by Theodore Roosevelt is, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
In the healthcare field, in which I am involved, it is imperative to master the sociability trait as we interact with patients and each other. In 2015, my workplace named a new President and CEO. He has made it his mission to meet and speak to nearly all 23,000+ employees in our health system which expands across the majority of the state of Pennsylvania. You will find him in the kitchen talking to cooks, in environmental services speaking to housekeepers, and in the halls speaking to doctors and nurses. He sits with patients and talks to them not just about their care, but about their life before their injury or illness. He understands you need to be able to socialize and speak at a laymen’s level to understand the wants and needs of the patients and those on the frontline caring for them. He offers his business card and cell phone number to patients and employees of the health system. He epitomizes the definition of the leadership trait of sociability and serves as a good example for the rest us to follow.
By taking a leadership assessment it will allow you to understand your leadership style strengths and weaknesses. Sociability is the leadership trait that I most identify with. I have recently been awarded a newly created position, which is within a created real estate department. Currently, I am the only employee in this real estate department. I find myself in a unique position to create the work environment and culture that I want it to be known for throughout the health system, as we move forward and build this department. It is important to me to create an atmosphere of being friendly, easy to speak with, and have positive interactions with other departments in the health system.
References
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
A quote by Theodore Roosevelt. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/34690-people-don-t-care-how-much-you-know-until-they-know