Application of Trait Leadership Theory to CliftonStrengths Assessment Results
Overview
This paper analyzes the author's CliftonStrengths assessment results through the lens of trait leadership theory. The author identifies five key strengths (maximizer, command, futuristic, adaptability, and activator) and discusses how these strengths align with established leadership characteristics, examining both the historical foundations and contemporary applications of trait theory in leadership development.
What this reflection paper covers
- Introduction to CliftonStrengths assessment results and five identified strength themes
- Overview of trait leadership theory, its historical development by Thomas Carlyle, and key characteristics
- Evaluation of personal leadership strengths using trait leadership theory framework
Preview
Clifton Strengths Test
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Clifton Strengths Test
The results of the five categorical strengths from the CliftonStrengths assessment showcase that I have a trait theory leadership. The five definite strengths from the CliftonStrengths assessment indicate that I have strengths such as maximizer, command, futuristic, adaptability, and activator. Maximizer theme indicates that a person focuses on the strengths to stimulate group and personal excellence. Such people usually seek to transform ideas from being better to superb ones. Besides, the command theme explains that a person can make decisions and take control of situations. What is more, the futuristic theme indicates that a person is inspired by the future; as a result, they energize others with the visions of the future. The adaptability theme posits that a person prefers to go with the flow; they decide to be new individuals who take things as they come and discover the future gradually. Moreover, the activator theme indicates that an individual makes things happen by turning thoughts into actions; as such, they are most interested in doing things now instead of just talking about them.
Colbert et al. (2012) explain that the trait leadership theory is based on the assumption that although leaders are born, only those with the correct traits and qualities become leaders. The theory pinpoints the behavioral characteristics that are mainly common among leaders. The traits leadership theory is among the first academic leadership theories that attempt to explain why some individuals are excellent leaders while others are not.