LEADERSHIP (I): LEADERSHIP TRAITS

IN

LOST (S01E01)

Session 03: Sunday, August 28th

Discussion Questions: Lost (S01E01)

1. Which leadership traits does Jack possess and which does he lack?

2. Do we see any link between the traits he possesses and his “performance” in the immediate aftermath of the crash?

Leadership defined

• An attempt to use influence to motivate individuals to accomplish some goal.

• “Leaders are agents of change, persons whose acts affect other people more than other people’s acts effect them.

• “Leadership occurs when one group member modifies the motivation or competencies of others in the group.”

A Framework for Studying Leadership*

Understanding Figure 11.1

• Four Factors• Leadership Traits

• Leadership Behaviors

• Situational Factors

• Effective Results

• All variables are multi-faceted, i.e. they contain several features or aspects

Understanding Figure 11.1

“Leader Traits” influence “Results” by way of “Behaviors”This is called “mediation.”“Behaviors” mediate the relationship between “Traits” and

“Results.”Traits are not sufficient.

“Leader Behaviors” + “Situational Variables” influence “Results”This is called “moderation.”“Situation” (context) moderates the influence of “Behavior” on

“Results”“Behaviors” must be fit the “Situation”, i.e. they must be the right

behaviors for what the situation and the followers call for.Behaviors are not sufficient.

Leadership Traits: Table 11.1

• “The trait theory of leadership…attempts to identify specific characteristics (physical, mental, personality) associated with leadership success.” [314]

Personality Motivation Ability

Energy Level

Stress Tolerance

Self-Confidence

Emotional Maturity

Integrity

Socialized power motivation

Strong N achievement

Weak N affiliation

Persuasiveness

Interpersonal,

Cognitive, and

Technical Skills

Leadership Traits = Personality

Trait Example

Energy Level

Stress Tolerance

Self-confidence

Emotional Maturity

Integrity

Leadership Traits = Motivation

Trait = Motivation Examples

Socialized power orientation

Strong need for achievement

Weak need for affiliation

Persuasiveness

Leadership Traits = Ability

Trait = Ability Examples

Interpersonal Skill

Cognitive Skill

Technical Skill