I could not resist this post - today, on a very popular website appeared an article, called Trait Leadership, (not really the title - instead I changed it to avoid targeting the specific website), essentially purporting to be the guide to effective leadership. The article is drawn from several so-called leadership experts (none of whom is an academic nor a well known leadership author) and the central message of the article is that certain traits drive effective leadership. Also known as the "trustworthy, loyal, brave, honest and true" viewpoint, trait theories are not backed by research facts. Unfortunately, the practice of using a list of traits to describe good leadership simply does not suggest that effective leadership will occur. Solid studies dating back to the 1940's have consistently shown that there is no correlation whatsoever between traits and effective leadership. A pioneer in leadership, Ralph Stogdill, clearly proved that there were no universal traits that consistently drove effective leadership. The fact is that trait leadership theories do not hold water. Tragically, internet articles like this one today perpetuate these falsehoods.

Leadership is far too complex to yield to a list of behavioral traits. Trait theory entirely ignores the significant evidence that much of leadership is contingent upon situations and followers.

I would encourage to be cautious when reading these popular blips on the internet. If you are truly interested in the study and practice of leadership, be certain that you are digesting evidence-based leadership literature.