The trait approach to leadership concentrates on the idea that great leaders are born with the given abilities, and not a learned ability. Individuals are brought into this world with all of the characteristics needed to become a great leader.
The trait approach theory of course comes with a fair share of controversy. Numerous studies have tried to narrow down the specific personality traits that make up a good leader giving us items such as drive, self-confidence, honesty, integrity, and tolerant. While these might be good traits of a leader, they are not necessarily traits that all leaders exhibit. For example, one of the most influential leaders in the world was Adolf Hitler. While Hitler exhibited traits such as drive and self-confidence, I would say he was lacking on certain traits such as integrity and honesty. Think of leadership traits in a comparison to your hand. A thumb is a finger, but not all fingers are thumbs. A great leader can have honesty and integrity, but not all leaders have honesty and integrity.
The trait theory also indicates that great leaders cannot be made, or learned. If you are not born with specific personality traits, you are not destined to be a leader. I think the ability to learn is a quality of a great leader. Being able to learn from your mistakes and apply them towards future leadership situations is a fantastic characteristic to exhibit.
I associate leadership more along the lines of the situational approach theory. According to Northouse (2016, p.93), “the situational approach stresses that leadership is composed of both a directive and a supportive dimension, and that each has to be applied appropriately in a given situation.” This theory shows the importance of a leader being able to assess the followers situation and see what the leader feels they are able to handle at that given time. Being able to adjust your leadership style based on the followers is the ultimate goal.
Northouse, P. (2016). Leadership theory and practice, seventh edition. Thousand Oaks, California. SAGE Publications.