Interesting conversation today with my friend Beth where we're talking about the assumptions behind many leadership trait assessments. We agreed that polarizing qualities is unrealistic and untenable, as when we argue that leaders are extroverted, analytical risk takers.
They also need the balance of being capable of reflection, creativity and nurturing. An intelligent approach expects that leaders must embrace the polarities rather than favor one to the either-or exclusion of the other. We need to talk about leadership quality pairings rather than singular traits.