What do leader characteristics refer to in the context of effective leadership?

Leader characteristics, in the context of effective leadership, primarily refer to the inner qualities that enable a leader to function effectively and inspire others. These characteristics often include traits such as emotional intelligence, resilience, vision, integrity, and the ability to empathize with followers. Such qualities allow leaders to build trust, foster a positive team climate, and drive motivation, which are critical components in a transformational leadership approach.

In contrast, external rewards focus on incentivizing followers through benefits or recognition, which does not inherently relate to the personal qualities of the leader. The skills developed through training are important but pertain more to learned competencies rather than intrinsic characteristics. Lastly, the number of followers a leader has may indicate their influence or popularity but does not reflect individual qualities that contribute to effective leadership. Thus, the essence of leadership effectiveness lies in the personal attributes and inner strengths of the leader themselves, making the identification of these inner qualities essential for understanding transformational leadership.