I.

General Personality Traits

Exam Q: Discuss any three general personality traits of effective leaders?
General personality trait is defined as the traits that are observable both
within and outside the context of work.
That is, the same general traits are related to success and satisfaction in
both work and professional life.
Following are the General Personality Traits that contribute to successful
leadership.

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
I.

Self-Confidence
Trustworthiness
Emotional Stability
Enthusiasm
Extraversion
Assertiveness
Humility
Sense of Humor
Warmth
Self-Confidence

Self Confidence is important trait in all leadership settings.

Self-assured leaders bring confidence in team members.
Self-Confidence Leaders are cool under pressure.
Self-Confidence leaders remain calm during crises.
II.

Trustworthiness
Groups expect honesty, integrity & credibility from leaders
Honesty & trust make a difference in leadership effectiveness.
Leaders must generate and sustain trust.

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III.

Emotional Stability

IV.

Emotional stability refers to the ability to control emotions.

Group members expect emotionally stable leader.
Low emotional stability is associated with depression, anger, anxiety etc.
In contrast, effective leaders are generally calm, confident, and predictable
during a crisis.
Enthusiasm

V.

Enthusiasm is directly linked to passion.

Enthusiasm builds good relationship between a leader and his followers.
Enthusiasm is great tool for motivating others.
Enthusiasm can be expressed both verbally & non verbally
Extraversion

Extraversion is helpful for leaders to be gregarious (social and expressive)

and outgoing in most situations.
Also, extroverts are more likely to want to assume a leadership role and
participate in group activities.
Even though it is logical think that extraversion is related to leadership,
many effective leaders are laid-back and even introverted (Reserved and
Quiet).
VI.

Assertiveness
Assertiveness refers to being straightforward in expressing demands,
opinions, feelings & attitudes.
Assertiveness helps leaders perform many tasks and achieve goals.
Being assertive helps leaders perform tasks such as confronting group
members, demanding higher performance, and making legitimate demands
on higher management.

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VII.

Humility
Being humble at the right times also contributes to leadership
effectiveness.
Part of humility is admitting that leaders dont know everything, and also
admitting their mistakes to team members and outsiders.
According to Jim Collins, Level 5 Leaders are modest, yet determined to
achieve their objectives.

VIII.

Sense of Humor
Effective use of humour is important part of leaders role.
It relieves tension and boredom
Humour should be in this way that nobody is targeted.

IX.

Warmth
Warmth contributes towards effective leadership.
First, warmth facilitates the establishment of rapport (Relationship,
understanding, bond and link) with group members.
Second, the projection of warmth is a key component of charisma.
Third, warmth is trait that facilitates providing emotional support to group
members.

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