Individual Traits or Qualities
This is the earliest form of leadership theory and it emphasised the singular qualities of charismatic individuals. In this theory leaders are born and not made. These theories describe and analyse the actions and beliefs of great individuals and draw lessons on what constitutes leadership. Gilbert points out that these great historical figures might exert their charismatic effect in situations of great danger or crisis but we may learn little about the role of the leader in more ordinary circumstances where the leadership challenge might be patiently building up an organisation or state {Gilbert 2005: 44}.