What Makes a Leader, Essay Example

The article “Leadership: Do Traits Matter” delves into the characteristics conducive to successful leadership. One of the notable traits discussed in this article is ambition. Kirkpatrick uses a business executive as an example, saying that one of the most effective traits in a business leader is the drive to reach for a higher level of success; to never settle for second best. The article also talks about the importance of energy in a leader. The author details the immense amount of effort and dedication required to be an effectual leader; to achieve this level of productivity takes time and the ability to work towards a goal. One of the most important qualities discussed in this article is persistence. The author says, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence” (Kirkpatrick 51, 1991). Kirkpatrick claim that personal skill, level of education, or even ability to innovate and instigate cannot make up for a lack of persistence. A truly proficient leader must continually push themselves and others towards greatness. The largest failure is that of not trying hard enough. This article discuses some of the most essential traits for developing into a great leader.

This article’s straightforward approach to the characteristics necessary for success in leadership helped me to grasp the importance of certain traits. This article also prompted me to self-reflect and consider how many of these traits I myself possess and how I can best put my attributes to use as a leader. The interviews with business executives truly resonated with me. The article did not blindly ramble off important traits, but gave accounts of how real leaders have successfully used these characteristics as means to succeed. Including examples of people who have taken the reigns that striven for leadership efficacy was extremely inspiring. This article showed me the building blocks necessary to create a personality apt to guide and thrive. It helped me to analyze which of these characteristics I have the most of and how I can put my persistence and ambition to use. This article inspired me to work on honing these traits and monitoring myself to make sure I am not straying away from leadership success. This article also relates to the five practices module of leadership. In order to properly instigate action in others, one must have the necessary traits to do so. Overall this article was very effective in detailing the requirements of a proficient leader.

Resources

Kirkpatrick, Shelley A. “Leadership: Do Traits Matter?” The Executive 5.2 (1991): 48-60. JSTOR. Web. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/4165007?ref=no-x-route:17d14b5ca6d26ef3b2e31a309f851c7c>.