Written by B. Lynn Gordon (former SDSU Extension Agricultural Leadership Specialist).
Are individuals who are leaders, as such? What do you think? This is a very common discussion and debate which occurs because some believe they are individuals with charismatic talent and unique abilities which make them a leader, which they possess since birth. Others, believe anyone can be a leader— and they become such from experience, education, their title, etc. What do you believe?
In leadership research during the 20th century, the question: are people born leaders? drew great attention to determine what made certain individuals leaders over others. Researchers believed these individuals had traits they were born with which made them leaders over others who lacked these traits, and the theory which supported this thought was called, The Great Man Theory. Those were individuals, in the early 20th century, with innate qualities and characteristics in roles such as social, political and military positions. Only great people had these traits and they were born with them.
Identifying Leadership Traits
What is that list of traits, part of Great Man Theory which turn them into great leaders? Are there five or ten traits all leaders have? If so, are we comfortable saying that because of these traits these individuals became leaders. If we agreed on a list, it would make it much easier to identify leaders in our industry, companies, people seeking employees, etc. One could have a checkoff list for these traits and then feel confident they have identified a leader to work for their organization, company and farming or ranching operation.
Researchers have continued to study trying to find that magic list of traits. Between 1948 and 2004, a major series of studies found the most common traits in leaders were: intelligence; self-confidence; determination; integrity; and sociability (Northouse 2016). But since then more and more traits have been identified by academic researchers and by authors of leadership books who share their viewpoints on what traits identify a leader.
Things to Consider
While it would be effective and efficient to have a list of traits and assessments to measure these traits and the end result would indicate you are a leader, unfortunately, leadership and becoming a leader is not that straightforward. Identifying traits most leaders possess has been helpful to classify individuals who may have the ability to become a leader. However, since the field of leadership has not agreed on that ideal list, lists of traits can only be used as a guide to identify leaders.
Yet identifying traits of leaders has given us benchmarks to consider and review. It has not been proven that individuals are born as leaders. Extensive research however suggest certain traits are found more commonly in leaders. One recent large database measuring what people look for in a leader (e.g. traits they want to see in them) has developed this list: 1) Honesty; 2) Forward-looking; 3) Competent; 4) Inspiring; and 5) Intelligent (Kouzes and Posner, 2012).
