Pre-existing constructs necessitate the need for a review of the theories and perceptions around leadership. Recent social upheavals are indicative of a dire need for the emergence of more leaders. Unfortunately, due to popular perceptions of the attributes of leaders, the majority of the species shy away from positions of leadership. What then identifies as leadership characteristics and behavioral traits? Today’s topic- Behavioral Theories of Leadership. Let’s take a deep dive into the inner workings of a leader.
Contrary to popular perception, leadership behavior is not hinged on aggression and bravado. Leadership is not so much about displaying characteristics as it is about those that are innate to the individual. Leadership, then, cannot be generalized into one category or another. Recent studies show a blend of the traditional leadership archetypes in most leaders. Leaders do not exhibit a central personality type but rather a rare mix of the best attributes of a few personality types. Previously thought of as extroverted, many leaders show introverted tendencies. Contrary to the popular belief that leaders are boisterous and outspoken, many leaders are reserved and soft.
What behaviors do leaders exhibit? Are these limited to a single leadership model? Is leadership innate to a specified group of individuals? Are the behavior patterns of leaders grouped in a single box? We take a look by analyzing historical views as well as new developments.
The Alpha personality type
Humans are commonly classified as alpha, beta, and omega personality types, with the alpha being the leader in the hierarchy. The alpha personality is often mistaken for the member of a group with egotistical and autocratic behavioral characteristics. Alphas are painted as rough and tough, burly individuals. They are portrayed to be those individuals who put on a show for a room of spectators. These traits, however, paint a picture of a brute. Are leaders brutes?
On the contrary, alpha individuals rarely parade their wares. Upon observation of the behavioral traits of leaders, it is seen that they are focused and directed. They do not need an audience to execute their goals. Still, they command an audience because of their determination and enthusiasm. It is because of these traits that they ignite passion in others. This ignition in others negates the need for a leader to demand submission.
The common argument is that all leaders are alpha personality types and that beta and omega types are incapable of leading. However, looking at the traits of the beta and omega personality types, their passive characteristics enable them to be more empathetic and understanding, imperative traits in leadership. That all skills can be learned further compounds the argument that all personality types display some leadership characteristics.
Recent studies show the emergence of a gamma personality type, a mix of the former three personality types. Gammas possess a balanced mix of leadership qualities.
Stereotyping leadership characteristics deter the majority from looking at their innate leadership qualities and force them to align with existing models. A reevaluation of these models may see the emergence of more leaders in more sectors.
Behavioral traits of leadership
Having established that all individuals have innate leadership characteristics, this is only seen in a minority of individuals in most settings. This is mainly due to the majority being afraid of public scrutiny and not being taught how to harness their leadership qualities. It is, unfortunately, only a select few who are willing to let their leadership qualities shine through despite the attendance around them. People, however, can learn how to harness their leadership abilities and overcome the factors that cause them to suppress their leadership abilities. Leaders show distinct differences in their approach to challenges and can handle and resolve situations. With training, everyone can adopt these approaches and hone in on their unique leadership styles.
- Confidence versus bravado
Leaders approach situations with confidence. They do not perform in front of an audience. They know what needs to be done, and they do it. Confidence is not synonymous with needing to have a say, demanding attention, or flexing muscles. It is more about taking the reins in a crisis and offering solutions when required. Bravery and bravado are very different concepts. Leaders are brave and willing to take on challenges. They do not back down and take others up with them. They do not seek to show off to others but rather to help others share in their success.
Leaders do not necessarily speak loudly, but they can put a point across, making sure they can back up their statements. In addition, they build their confidence by being well informed.
- Assertiveness versus aggression
Leaders do not use aggression to win in a conflict situation. They do not overpower their opponents. They, instead, keep a cool head to avoid escalating situations. They can put their viewpoints across in an assertive manner rather than an aggressive manner. Their assertive approach can consider all sides of a situation to arrive at the best solutions. Leaders avoid public confrontations and prefer to engage in mature discussions with the involved parties.
- Ego versus Integrity
A leader does not require recognition for his actions. He will do the right thing regardless of who acknowledges it. He is determined to offer his help regardless of whether he can be rewarded or repaid. A leader is not afraid of admitting his mistakes and makes every attempt to rectify them even if it causes him shame.
- Reaction versus response
Although associated with aggression, most leaders respond calmly when faced with conflict rather than react aggressively. A leader can mediate and diffuse elevated situations because they can keep a leveled head in any situation. Leaders are known for their ability to remain calm amidst the chaos. Leaders are often seen as detached and aloof because they refuse to engage with people who act irrationally. They would rather let the situation cool and then revisit it.
Behavioral patterns of a leader in conflict situations
One of the leaders ‘ most important behavioral traits is the ability to not flare up in response to an irate confronter. This trait makes leaders suited to handle conflict situations, which arise in all settings of life. Unfortunately, the majority mirror the reactions of a confronter, which often serves to further exacerbate situations rather than resolve them. Instead, a leader can listen calmly, assess all sides, and rational judge even when not happy about the situation. This trait enables those who embrace their leadership qualities to run organizations.
Leaders can keep a level head even when they feel angry or frustrated. They can take a step back from their baser emotions to resolve the situation maturely. This ability to detach from baser emotions allows leaders to prevent heated arguments and resolve issues quickly and efficiently. It prevents ugly situations from being left to rot. Leaders rarely put themselves in a situation where they say or do things impulsively and will regret later. Instead, they are cool and collected and can use their strong reasoning skills to deescalate conflict.
- When confronted with a conflict situation, a leader will exhibit calm mannerisms. They rarely flare up in reaction to others’ elevated behavior. A leader is often seen to listen attentively, understand what others are saying, and then respond. This ability enables leaders to make informed decisions and give opinions that are on point. They can walk away or step back long enough to gain a better perspective, enabling them to respond better. This is an easier way to approach conflict situations than going at it with tempers rising.
- A leader can admit his mistakes and never shifts blame or tries to cover up his errors. He owns them, learns from them, discusses them openly, and fixes them. This ability enables leaders to deal with problems efficiently and timeously and not let them escalate to proportions that cannot be solved simply.
- In emergencies, instead of panicking, a leader will be the one to seek solutions rather than focus on the problems. S/he will calm the rest of the group down and commence with implementing solutions. Related to this trait is a leader’s ability to put others first and take action for the greater good of all involved. Leaders do not make reckless decisions that have dire consequences for anyone involved.
- A leader reserves judgment and is accepting of all viewpoints. Taking into consideration all sides, he can make fair decisions that all parties can work with. This ability enables a leader to manage and facilitate teams.
- A leader exhibits patience when in conflict discussions. He understands the need to postpone discussions at times to arrive at more feasible solutions. Leaders can adequately assess all sides of a situation to arrive at the best solution. They can take their time to deliberate over and resolve situations efficiently. Although they can pace themselves well, they can work within good time frames and work well to meet deadlines.
- A leader exhibits confidence and bravery and can take calculated risks. Because of their ability to assess all angles of a situation, leaders can take calculated risks. They do not react impulsively in situations. This enables them to be decision-makers.
- A leader exhibits integrity and is known to do the right thing for everyone. Leaders are known to be fair and just. This trait wins them the trust of their peers and enables them to collaborate well with teams and get their team members to do what is best to achieve team goals.
- Leaders can recognize the strengths and limitations of others. Using this knowledge, they can delegate as well as partner people accordingly. This enables leaders to form teams that are collaborative and most efficient due to the complementary character traits of the team.
Behavioral characteristics of great leaders
The great leaders in history inspired a passion in others. Because of their attractive behavioral traits, they did not need to campaign for followers. People were inspired by their innate qualities and naturally followed them. Their ingenuity and integrity drew people to them. The determination of these leaders toward causes that were for the greater good of all further cemented the people’s belief in them. It is evident from the great leaders of history that it is more effective to lead by example rather than demand authority.
In analyzing the behavioral characteristics of the greatest leaders, it is seen that, although they were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in, they displayed compassion and composure and rarely aggression. The model of the alpha, therefore, has much more than meets the eye. It is certainly about integrity and courage and not aggression and tyranny.
In observing leadership, it is clear that leaders come in all shapes and sizes and are not limited by stature, nature, or social standing.
Common misconceptions around leadership
Leadership takes courage and a strong sense of self. It is, thus, not for the faint at heart. It is, however, innate to us all and not just reserved for a select few. Whether we will take up the challenge to let our leadership qualities shine through is the burning question that so many wrestle with. More than ever, a need for strong leaders has arisen. Experts grapple with how to assist more people in embracing leadership. The status quo of leadership characteristics such as aggression, egoism, and that leaders have a specific stature deters people with passive traits and features from entertaining the possibility of leadership. Breaking down these pre-existing constructs is vital to enable the emergence of varied forms of leadership. This will have vast advantages as it will extend the reach of leadership into more sectors, thus inviting more people into the “good fight.” Expanding existing leadership constructs could mean the start of the shift toward a better world order. Analyzing existing theories on leadership behavior, many misconceptions are observed.
- Leaders are born, not developed.
The old nature versus nurture debate has us thinking one is either born as a leader, i.e., possesses the abilities and attributes outlined above, or they are not. The gap in this debate is that everyone is a born leader, but not everyone knows that. People have unique leadership abilities, but they need to be taught, preferably, from as young as possible to harness and engage those leadership abilities. This is not taught in schools, and sadly, many go without knowing their leadership abilities. Some are fortunate enough to stumble upon some leadership information, which enhances their innate leadership characteristics. Leaders are born but need to be developed to their peak.
- Leadership is only for a select few, and the rest must follow.
The question we should be asking ourselves here is, ‘who decided who the select few leaders are?’ In an organization, in our communities, or the world, the people in leadership will tell you that they worked just as hard as everyone else to get where they are. They learned and grew and climbed their way into the higher positions or positions of influence. They will tell you that they did not demand people trust them; they inspired and motivated people to trust them. There is no higher order than initiates certain people into leadership. Leadership is there for the taking, and everyone can assume these roles.
- Leaders have to be bold, boisterous, and outspoken.
The personality traits of leaders are varied in all sectors. Some are loud and bold, while others are more reserved. It is commonly perceived that people with passive traits cannot be leaders, but this is far from fact. Many leaders are seen to be reflective and opt for peaceful approaches rather than boisterous ones. Leadership is not restricted to a single style. It comes in various forms to approach various situations and people.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are leaders in the minority?
Leaders are few, and often leadership roles are only attempted by a select few. In interviewing for leadership positions within organizations, it is uncommon that the majority would apply. There is no one explanation for the distinct contrast in numbers between leaders and followers. Still, psychological studies show that it takes much more effort to be a leader than a follower. The majority is not willing to make such a considerable effort. This is unfortunate as leadership is innate to the human species at the top of the food chain.
- Is it possible for introverts to apply for leadership positions?
Introverted individuals can most certainly apply for leadership positions. Your softer qualities will work well in helping you in situations such as conflict resolution. These qualities will also make you more approachable to your team members. Leadership roles do require a degree of hardness, but this can be learned. Various training modules are available to help you to add some extroverted traits to your arsenal.
- How do I hone in on my leadership qualities?
It can be challenging to find your place as a leader in a group of numerous personalities. The key is to establish what your beliefs and values are and make decisions from these. To establish your values and beliefs, develop an idea of what type of person you want to be and what you want your life to stand for. A leader is very clear on who he is and what values he wants to portray. This ingenuity inspires the people around him/her and draws them into helping with his/her causes. Always remember that your unique set of values is what will make you stand out. Do not be afraid to make these known.
- Why is it that studies show a mere two percent of the global population break free from the status quo and display unique leadership styles?
It takes guts and willpower to stand out in a crowd and veer off the status quo. Not many are willing to make such an effort. They would rather let their innate qualities fall by the wayside to conform to societal norms. It takes strength and courage to dream bigger and even more than that to follow those dreams through to completion. Each human being can be a global leader. Still, only the two percent will acknowledge this, seize the opportunity, and persevere to see it through.
- Are leaders born or developed?
Innate to each individual are leadership qualities. Different qualities for the different groups of which we become a part. No two individuals are the same; so too are no two leaders the same. This is necessary because the human race comprises a diverse species. Coming back to the question, all individuals are born leaders. Whether each individual acknowledges this and executes, it is up to the individual. The innate qualities of a leader can be further developed and accentuated by training and learning.
- Why is leadership the road less traveled?
Being a leader often means going against the status quo. It often means enforcing those norms that are good and denouncing those that are bad. Most people are not willing to do this because of public scrutiny. Most people would rather follow to avoid being spotlighted or questioned. It is but a select few who will make an effort to stand up for what is right and go against what isn’t. Most people are not willing to take on the responsibility of paving a path for others. But what they say about the road less traveled being beautiful is true, and there is hope that more people will harness their leadership styles and join this road.
