Why would we spend so much time bettering ourselves if we knew we couldn't change who we are? There are so many magazines, leadership books and articles, blogs, etc. that focus on becoming a better leader. As the Great Man Theory states, people are born leaders. I believe that leaders are both born and made, just as some people use their skills and abilities to actually be a leader and some spend a lifetime trying. I believe that there first has to be a desire to lead. Without the want to lead, you have no true passion to motivate others. I do not believe that there are a specific set of traits that define a leader like drive, motivation, accountability, and self-confidence. Though I do believe that all of these traits contribute to the making of an ideal leader, I do not think leaders can be fully defined by traits. The trait theory however, does showcase traits that are oftentimes found within great leaders. This can help people determine their strengths and their weaknesses and therefore, those who want to become a leader or a better leader can focus on what traits they need to develop more. Circumstances require leaders to display certain traits. I believe that the Trait Theory focuses only on who the leader is. It does not take into account the influences of experiences and situations. I also believe that behavior plays an important role in determining our leadership ability. As stated before, a person could possess every great leadership quality, but without the drive and without actions, that person would not be seen as a leader in society. Leaders aren't made, they are driven to lead.
