According to one author the skills approach emphasizes the c

According to one author, the skills approach emphasizes the capabilities of the leader. In theory, this would mean anyone can become an effective leader (The Skills, n.d.). Skills suggest what leaders can achieve, learn and develop whereas traits suggest who they are based on their intrinsic characteristics which they gain by the virtue of birth. The skills approach suggests that the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are required for a leader to be successful can be acquired thorough training and development (Skills, n.d.).

Do you agree with this theory? Specifically, can you become an effective leader by acquiring specific skills?

What skills do you feel this type of leader would need? Identify a time that you had to use one of the 3 basic skills to assume a leadership role?

Do you feel that you were successful? Why or why not?

Solution

1. Skills and personality (traits) go hand in hand when we talk about a true leader. Being is a leader is not just about doing the job just with skills. Leadership requires thought and understanding, and that come from traits. Traits are not necessarily inborn. They are norms we learn and abide by while growing up in a society. While our norms might define our personality but if you are a leader, and you are able to keep your norms aside and keep an open mind while making a decision, that requires skills.

Leadership is not only effective set of skills. It is about how those set of skills are being put to use. Being motivational is a skill, but whether you motivate a person to do good or bad at his job is for your comprehension, that\'s where traits come into play. Leadership is about striking a balance between showing effective skills set and effective traits set. Your traits and personality can be groomed into your skills.

The best thing about human beings is that they can train themselves and change their belief system to what they truly believe. Traits can be molded and put to use in a better way, this requires skils. So while skills and traits do go hand in hand, skills definitely takes the upper hand.

2. The 3 basic skills, which according to me every leader should have is a. Self-Control b. Communication c. Open-mindedness. As a leader I have best used my communication skills while solving complex behavioural problems. Words are the most effective tool, it can do as much wonders as it can do damages. One of the most important skills a leader must have is how to effectively communicate with his/her employee. Communication can change the whole narrative of a situation, and if treaded carefully, the results are often positive.

3. Yes, I was definitely successful by effectively using my communication skills. It helped me clear various blocks we hit as a team. It brought us as a team even closer. The employees were more forthcoming and happy about their jobs. Communication definitely helped me in my role, as it brought me closer to my team members. Listening to their issues, knowing the real cause, always helps bringing forward the best solution.