Pros and Cons of Trait Theory

Both trait based theory and great man theory have pros and cons. Which leads me to believe that there is no one theory that covers everything a great leader should be. Great man theory states that leaders are born. Either you are given this great gift of leadership at birth to be used for greatness later on in life or your not. The pro in this case is the start of understanding the traits that great leaders possess. While the con is that leadership is restricted to a certain group of individuals, usually men born into the upper class. Failing to even entertain the idea that women could be great leaders as well. While trait based theory doesn’t make assumptions about needing to be inherited or the ability of traits to be acquired. It focuses on the common traits leaders possess such as: drive, motivation, honesty, integrity, self-confidence, cognitive ability and knowledge of the business. It also suggests that leaders may develop these traits in different quantities. On the negative side, trait based theory stereotypes certain traits and does not take into account how certain situational variances may affect leadership ability. It is also a leader centric theory that fails to take the followers into account and without followers, there would be no leaders.