APA Writing Exercise 2
Trait & Skills Approach to Leadership
Northouse (2022) describes the trait approach as "a set of distinctive characteristics,
qualities, or attributes that describe a person" (p. 28). The trait approach seeks to define a
certified set of specific aspects of a person's personality that, given the right situation, determine
their leadership ability and prowess. Northouse (2022) goes on to explain that these aspects are
mostly innate characteristics, although they can be learned and developed to a degree, and that
they can distinguish people within various groups, as leaders and followers. The idea of these
leadership-determining characteristics can be both the strength and the weakness of the theory;
while the list of accepted traits is broad, allowing for a wide array of leaders, it can be so broad
that the lines become blurry and too unclear to fully define. Although the agreed-upon list can be
difficult to nail down, one common trait is integrity. Yinghong et al. (2019) found that even just
the perception of integrity on the part of the leader increased the performance of the team and
firm around them. In 1 Kings 9 (ESV), we see the author speak on the importance of integrity. A
warning is given to King Solomon to walk with integrity as his father David did, if he wants
continued blessings from the Lord (Merida, 2015, p. 53). This illustrates the timeless relevance
of integrity in leadership, resonating across various contexts and eras. Leaders who embody
integrity not only inspire trust and confidence but also foster a culture of accountability and
ethical behavior within their organizations (Yinghong et al., 2019). Thus, integrity stands as a
cornerstone of effective leadership, transcending mere competence to embody a deeper
commitment to principles and values.
While the trait approach looks into the essence of the leader's character, it primarily
focuses on inherent qualities that contribute to effective leadership (Northouse, 2022, p. 57). In
contrast, the skill approach shifts the focus towards the capabilities and competencies that leaders
APA Writing Exercise 3
can develop and utilize in various situations (Northouse, 2022, p. 57). Unlike the internal focus
of the trait approach, the skill approach directs attention outward, emphasizing not just who the
leader is, but very specifically what they can do. Specifically, the three-skill approach identifies
and emphasizes three fundamental outward-facing skills: technical, human, and conceptual
(Northouse, 2022, p. 57). Northouse (2022) defines human skill as the "ability to work with
people" (p. 57), highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships and effective
communication in leadership. For instance, in 1 Kings 4:1-4, King Solomon exemplifies the
significance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships by acknowledging the crucial role of
those around him in his leadership journey (Merida, 2015, p. 29). This demonstration by King
Solomon underscores the importance of the human skill in leadership effectiveness. Moreover,
scholars Henderikx and Stoffers (2023) assert that people-oriented skills are paramount for
effective leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand and engage with their team
members effectively. Furthermore, Racette (2022) draws parallels between the human aspect of
the skill approach and the servant leadership style, defining it as "the desire to serve others" and
"the conscious decision to ensure that the most immediate needs of others are met" (Racette,
2022). This aligns with the notion that effective leaders prioritize the well-being and
development of their team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.
Overall, the skill approach offers a pragmatic perspective on leadership development,
emphasizing the importance of acquiring and honing specific competencies to succeed in
leadership roles.
APA Writing Exercise 4
References
Henderikx, M., & Stoffers, J. (2023). Digital transformation and middle managers' leadership
skills and behavior: a group concept mapping approach.FFrontiers in psychology,F14,
1147002. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1147002
Merida, T. (2015). Christ-Centered Exposition Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings. Nashville, TN.
B&H Publishing Group.
Northouse, P. G. (2022).FLeadership: Theory and practice. SAGE Publishing.F
Racette, E. M. (2022). A biblical approach to teaching leadership skills for future public
administrators.FJournal of Scholarly Engagement,F5(2), 79–91.
https://doi.org/10.9743/jse.2022.5.2.8F
Yinghong, S. W., Hugh O’Neill, & Zhou, N. (2019). How does perceived integrity in leadership
matter to firms in a transitional economy?: JBE.Journal of Business Ethics,, 1-19.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04168-x
APA Writing Exercise 5
Response 1
Reginald, excellent post. Your analysis of crystalized cognitive ability and how Moses and
ultimately Jesus, set the standard in how it relates to leadership, was spot on. It is interesting to
note that, regarding crystalized cognitive ability, Blodgett et al. (2022), found that there is a
strong correlation with physical ability. They found that when a person’s physical abelites were
in decline, there was a high probability that so too was their crystalized cognitive ability
declining. Conversely, they found that if a person were to train their physical ability, they too
would see improved crystalized cognitive abelites as well. Similarly, Growney and English
(2023) refer to crystalized cognitive ability as the complete culminations of one’s whole life
experiences, especially regarding the social world. This relates to your reference to Moses’s
leveraging of his many years of leading the people of God to define his leadership abilities
continually better. You are right that Moses’s longevity in leadership helped to refine him and
prolong his leadership, this lines up with my research well. It is curious if the many, many years
Moses spent wondering the desert, 40 to be exact, also known as hiking, too played to Blodgett
et al’s, research to physical activity improving crystalized cognitive function. If this hypothesis is
accurate, then it is no wonder than Moses was such a strong leader. Growney and English (2023)
also noted that improved crystalized cognitive ability also led to improved emotional regulation.
This too could speak to how Moses was so able to handle the challenges and obstacles of
leadership, especially over such length.
References
Blodgett, J. M., Cooper, R., Davis, D. H. J., Kuh, D., Hardy, R., & Newman, A. B.
(2022). Associations of Word Memory, Verbal Fluency, Processing Speed,
and Crystallized Cognitive Ability With One-Legged Balance Performance
APA Writing Exercise 6
in Mid- and Later Life.1The Journals of Gerontology.,177(4), 807–816.
https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glab168
Growney, C. M., & English, T. (2023). Fluid and crystallized cognitive resources
differentially linked to emotion regulation success in
adulthood.1Emotion.,123(2), 589–594.
https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001087
APA Writing Exercise 7
Response 2
Arno, excellent post.
Regarding your opening point about certain leaders having a priority of their people. Few things
seem to do more for a positive workplace culture than when the leader creates an environment
and expectation that their subordinates can trust them. SubordinatesFlook toFleadersFin moments
ofFneed,Fso theyFmustFbe aFsubject matter expertFthat exudes confidence and morale amongst the
followership.FThis is exactly what we see in the Kingships of King David and King Solomon, as
you pointed out. When leaders remain loyal and open with their employees, that fosters a
positive work environment in which the workers believe their leader has their best interest at
heart.FThis stresses that employees need to be able to trust their leaders to motivate them and put
their optimal effort into the given tasks.FThe leaders must buildFmeaningfulFrelationships with the
employees to gain their trust, and the members will contribute more in given tasks when their
trust in the leadership and management increases (Princes & Said, 2022).FThe transformational
leader has higher success rates on long term projects as they tend to foster a more open
environmentF(BormannFandFDiebig,F2021).
When looking to biblical leadership examples, we can see both good and bad. We can see a
variety of styles, especially transactional and transformational leaders. Transactional leaders
have a stronger effectFon project success for smaller projects as it is easier to set performance
goals. FThe transformational leader has higher success rates on long term projects as they tend to
foster a more open environment (Abbas & Ali, 2021).FAgain, this is right in line with your
example of Elisha and Elijah being excellent examples of transformational leadership.
APA Writing Exercise 8
References
Abbas, & Ali, R. (2021). Transformational versus transactional leadership styles and project
success: A meta-analytic review.FEuropean
ManagementJournal.Fhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2021.10.011
Bormann, K. C., & Diebig, M. (2021). Following an Uneven Lead: Trickle-Down Effects
ofFDifferentiated Transformational Leadership.FJournal of Management,F47(8), 2105–
2134. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/0149206320931584
Princes, A. & Said, A. (2022). The impacts of project complexity, trust in leader, performance
readiness and situational leadership on financial sustainability.FInternationalFJournal of
Managing Projects in Business.,F15(4), 619–644.
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