the trait debate

According to trait-based theories, people are born with specific traits that are lifelong and understanding these traits can help predict a persons' actions, thoughts, and logic. These theories such as the Big Five can predict an employees behavior on the job. There are some aspects of this that are generally true, such as extraverts tend to be more successful, have higher salaries and receive more promotions. But one could easily understand that a person who is more outgoing would be more likely to ask for promotions and higher salaries. They would have the confidence to go after more opportunities than an introvert. Using the Big Five model would be a good tool as a supplemental evaluation. The biggest problem with trait-based theories assumes that a person is born with them. That it is impossible for a person to acquire necessary leadership attributes without being born with them. There is a lot of evidence that leadership skills and traits can be learned and developed over time. I would hope that my leadership style will shape and transform through my learning and experiences on the job, and I believe they will. It would be amazing if a company could survey all their employees and determine the future leaders via a short test. Management team recruitment made easy. But fortunate for the rest of us, who might not be gifted with perfect confidence and speaking composure, leadership can be learned. Studies have shown that managers' styles can change over time through experiences, feedback, or help of a consultant. Leaders can change for the worst and change for the better. Leadership should be a learning process and a life long challenge. Just as no one is born perfect, no one is born the perfect leader.