According to trait theory, which trait is NOT typically associated with effective leadership?

According to trait theory, which trait is NOT typically associated with effective leadership?

• A. High Intelligence
• B. Self-Motivation
• C. Inflexibility
• D. Creativity

Answer: (C)

Trait theory looks at stable characteristics that help someone lead effectively. Traits like high intelligence support strong analysis and problem-solving, self-motivation drives initiative and persistence, and creativity fuels new ideas and innovative solutions. Inflexibility, however, undermines leadership because it makes a leader resistant to feedback, unwilling to adjust plans when conditions change, and slow to respond to diverse teams or evolving goals. That resistance to change is what typically hinders a leader more than it helps, so inflexibility is not associated with effective leadership, while intelligence, self-motivation, and creativity are.

Trait theory looks at stable characteristics that help someone lead effectively. Traits like high intelligence support strong analysis and problem-solving, self-motivation drives initiative and persistence, and creativity fuels new ideas and innovative solutions. Inflexibility, however, undermines leadership because it makes a leader resistant to feedback, unwilling to adjust plans when conditions change, and slow to respond to diverse teams or evolving goals. That resistance to change is what typically hinders a leader more than it helps, so inflexibility is not associated with effective leadership, while intelligence, self-motivation, and creativity are.