Trait theory was one of the first ways of describing how a leader is choosen. It is described as being focused entirely on individual’s physical and social attributes. This was derived from earlier powerful forms of leaders in the early 18th century. In my eyes, this is a superficial way to choose someone to lead! Just because someone seems physically fit for a role, does not necessarily mean that they are the best for the job. One example of how America was caught in the trait theory is through the Presidential election of Nixon and Kennedy. Those who herd the big debate between the two on the radio thought Nixon had the best political stand. Those who watched on TV thought Kennedy did the best based on how he was perceived on television. This brings me back to the point that because someone fits the 'traditional’ physical model of a leader does not always mean they are the best. Lets look at one of the most obvious examples today. Ever since the begging of our democracy our leaders have been 'white males'. America broke out of the trait theory in 2008 when Barrack Oboma was choosen as our 44th President. Being the first 'black male' male president proves that our nation has evolved as humans to think outside of the 'norm'. From reading this chapter I realize the limitation that the trait theory obtains
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This can also apply to the role of women and the way we are not seeing as leaders. One of my proffessors once told me a story of when she was a twentysomething year old and she went to buy a car with her dad. Althoug, she had the money the salesperson kept directing herself to her dad, because to the salesperson she didn't seem fit to buy the car on her own. I'm sure this happens more often than not.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of a few statistics that I have heard about taller men usually holding higher positions in the work world. Similarly, statistics of more attractive or aesthetically pleasing people in higher positions in the work world. Now Im not sure what this means about their leadership skills, but it's an interesting concept.
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