I have grown up my entire life as a person who is a very outgoing and easily makes friends. I mention this because, unlike stereotypes, I am not what one would imagine as “shy” or “timid.” However, when put into a leadership situation, I am very reluctant to speak my opinion or delegate work to others –not because I think others are not capable, but because I feel guilty giving others more work. Now, with that being said, one might think I would make a terrible leader. I tend to disagree with that assessment, as my definition of leadership is “taking responsibility for yourself and managing all aspects of a task or group of people at the highest level of accountability.”
I am a very conscientious worker, and I double and triple check my work in order to make sure it lives up to my very high level of expectation that I have set for myself. I think this makes me a good leader. I am also very sensitive to others feelings; I believe I have a very good knack for being able to read others’ body language, which allows me to be a better communicator. I think this makes me a good leader. I am a very energetic and bubbly person, some might believe this is overcompensating or “fake,” but in reality I am always very passionate about every endeavor I choose to take on. I think this makes me a good leader.
So am I a bad leader because I was born with a trait that makes me self-doubt constantly and makes me nervous to give others more work, thus causing me to take on a great deal of that work myself? No. I believe that everyone can be a leader in his or her own way. I believe that one person’s weakness can be another’s greatest advantage. Furthermore, I do not believe one trait is better than another when it comes to leadership. Thus, I completely disagree with the Trait Leadership Theory, which states, “The trait model of leadership is based on the characteristics of many leaders – both successful and unsuccessful – and is used to predict leadership effectiveness (“Management Study Guide”).” This theory suggests people are born with a certain set of traits that predict whether they will be a good leader or not –this goes against everything I believe in.
Yes, I can be a “timid” leader.
MSG Management Study Guide. (2016). Retrieved May 22, 2017, from
http://managementstudyguide.com/trait-theory-of-leadership.htm
Cotton says
Tayna,
Good post, as you explain your style of leadership and after reading the first few chapters so far everyone’s leadership style is vastly different. However, I will say that you shouldn’t feel guilty delegating work to others but I know how you feel. Sometimes that delegation authority is what a leader must do get his or her own tasks accomplished for the betterment of the team. I also think that delegating work and tasks to your followers a sense of trust. When given a task as a follower I would say most people want to get the job done efficiently, timely, and produce the best product. Delegating work is sometimes the best way to accomplish that common team goal for whatever needs to be done.
I also would say I wouldn’t consider you a bad leader or timid because you have self-doubt. Everyone has self-doubt but it is that self-confidence and determination that trumps that self-doubt. As you mention one’s weakness can be one’s greatest strength which having that attitude, I would guess, helps you over come that self-doubt.
Cotton
Shante Walker says
Hey Tanya,
Thanks for the post! Interesting ideas about leadership as I am one who completely believes that life is what you make it. On one side. yes people are born with certain traits that other may or may not posses, but it is what an individual does with what they learn that dictates their outcome.
Yes it is possible that one who may not posses the desired traits of the set forth list of leadership traits, but can still be an effective powerful leader if he or she desires to be. Passion, empathy, diligence and a genuine love for people and helping are just as good in leading as any other. Anyone has the power to change their outcome at anytime.
Loveforlife~