1.2.4 Behaviours and traits
Using the trait approach both leadership and management requires an emphasis on flexible traits that reflect the person's ability to build productivity partnerships between the individual and organisation's needs. The traits may be resident in the person and therefore enable them to become more effective leaders or managers within a given context. Stephen Covey in 1990 (1992) identified seven habits of highly effective people. The habits were tied to the successful leader (Covey, 1992:40-47). They included:
- Be Proactive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win-win
- Seek to understand, then to be understood
- Synergise
- Sharpen the saw (continuous improvement and self-renewal)
These habits occur against a model where Covey constructs four levels and four key principles for Principle-Centred Leadership.

Figure 4 Covey Principal Centred Leadership Levels and Principles
© 1991 Covey Leadership Centre (Covey, 1992:28)
The above model and habits reinforce the effective leader may be defined using widely different criteria. These habits include values and behaviours, not just traits that can be listed, codified, learnt or transferred to others, and nurtured by an organisation or group.
James Kouzes and Barry Posner (1993) examined the importance of credibility as the single most critical factor in leadership. The study also identified not just the characteristics of 'admired' leaders but also found four major characteristics were universally rated very highly:
- Honesty;
- Forward-looking;
- Inspiring; and
- Competent (Kouzes & Posner, 1993:13-18).
Reading 2
McNamara, C (2003) Basics -- Definitions(and Misconceptions) about Management, published online at http://www.mapnp.org/library/mgmnt/defntion.htm#anchor662641
Activity 2
Complete the reading from McNamara. This reading provides a very general overview of different definitions on management and the misconceptions these can engender. Now complete the following.
- Do management behaviours have to vary with level of employment (i.e. seniority or complexity of job role)? Be prepared to discuss and provide evidence for your response.
- Why is the job of leading different to managing?
- Do boards of directors manage or lead?
- McNamara sources other opinions but suggests '" Leading " is influencing someone in some way . or setting direction and activities ."Managing" is explained as carrying out these activities'. Do you agree?