Well, interesting - I received two emails that would indicate I hit a nerve with my post criticizing the trait theory of leadership.

Essentially, the comments made to me were:

Are you suggesting that the trait theory is worthless?
Aren’t traits just competencies - and I know you push the use of competencies?
What’s wrong with being loyal, trustworthy, brave, etc.?

OK, let’s begin to answer these questions. However, note that this will take more than a single post. Bear with me over the next few weeks as I provide insight into the trait theory.

But let me begin with the proviso that I do not think the study of the trait theory is a waste of time. My primary concern with the trait theory is that it relegates leadership to a single dimension – and that is a gross over simplification. Leadership is quite complex, difficult to fully define, and even more difficult to quantify in an empirical manner.

I believe there is an art to leadership as well as a science. I also believe that some aspects of leadership are inborn while others can be learned. I also strongly believe that internal values drive external leadership behavior.

With that in mind, continue to check in for more discourse on the trait theory.