The Essence of Leadership Traits

Northouse (2021) defined leadership as the process through which individuals influence a
group of people to achieve a common goal. The author’s definition of leadership is built on three
main aspects; leadership as a process, leadership involves influence, and that leadership involves
common goals. Northouse believes that leadership is a process and not a trait or characteristic
that resides in the leader. Through his definition, leadership is seen as a transactional event that
occurs between the leader and the followers. The definition of leadership proposed by Northouse
suggests that leadership focuses on how the leader affects followers. In other words, without
some degree of influence, then leadership does not exist. Lastly, the definition of leadership by
Northouse provides that leadership thrives in a group of individuals, especially those with a
common purpose. Leadership Analysis

Comprehension; share the findings of the questionnaire.
The leadership questionnaire in Northouse, chapter 1, studied my personal view of
leadership and also explored my perception of different aspects of leadership. The questionnaire
tool multiple-choice approach and contained twenty questions with five choice answers for each
question. For instance, I had the option to strongly agree with the question asked, strongly
disagree, stay neutral, agree, or strongly agree with the question.

The Essence of Leadership Traits

Also, the twenty questions were
categorized into five; trait emphasis, ability emphasis, skill emphasis, behavior emphasis, and
relationship emphasis. Each of the five categories had four questions, and the scores provide
more information about how I define and view leadership.
Trait emphasis had the highest score of 20 after analyzing questions 1,6,11, and 16
(Northouse, 2019). Skill emphasis followed closely and came in second with a score of 18. The relationship emphasis and behavior emphasis are tied at the third position with a score of 17. The

My interpretation of the findings emphasizes the leader’s role and special gifts in leadership. I focus more on these aspects than on their relationships with followers, their behaviors, or their skills. Northouse (2021) discusses the difference between leadership as a trait and leadership as a process. He points out that leadership as a trait focuses on unique characteristics that define individuals as leaders.

I agree with his argument. Effective leaders often possess unique physical traits, such as height. They also have personality features like extraversion. Other important traits contribute to their effectiveness as leaders. APA