by J.D. McKay

Created on: August 09, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2009

Personality is the Key:

This issue is like two parallel city streets that eventually merge into one. History is replete with examples of great leadership with both positive and negative results on record. I believe it is the natural attributes of ones own personality and emotional make up that is the initial determining factor as to ones predisposition towards leadership. It's in the core building blocks of our DNA that gives us this jumpstart. Having said that, it is important to not misunderstand or discount the amazing power and influence that our environment can have on us as we experience life in our circumstances and times. Apparent rouge leaders surprise us because we miss or dismiss them in favor of another who may ultimately fail to fully blossom.

Leaders can be vaulted into the required position as if by God's design, and equally leadership can be attained, worked for, and strived for through various opportunities, possibilities, and mechanisms like, formal education and training, or blood line, circumstances, or outside influences like PR, money, force, and lets not forget grit, desire, and intestinal fortitude. Remember personality is the key! Lets look at the 5 main leadership styles and see if you can identify where your own personality traits and preferences reside, and would your employees, spouse, or significant other agree with your self assessment?

The 5 Leadership Types are:

1) Authoritarian, autocratic, or the dominating leader type: A person chosen or has ascended to the position or has assumed the leadership position and has established absolute power. This general type makes up their own mind on issues without necessarily listening to anyone else before they do. They control the agenda and set the course, sometimes described as dictatorial or a dictator.

2) Systems-person, or bureaucratic leader type: A person running things from established procedures, layers of managers, committees, and supervisors. They establish rule books, laws, ordinances, manuals and operating guidelines. This general type of leader believes more in standards than privileges, rights and exceptions. They believe in the exact and fair execution of the system to groups and individuals alike. Everything is done by the book and they insist their staff and employees follow all procedures correctly and with exactness.

3) Inspirational, transformational, dream weaver of hope and change type leader: This general type leader is often referred to as a natural born leader.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>