Choosing a New Director of Leadership

Morgan Miller

Chapter 2 Assignment

        Based on the information provided concerning the trait approach, I would chose Kelsey Metts as the new Director of Research at Great Lakes Foods. Not only does she encompass almost every single trait from the 2004 Zaccaro, Kemp, and Bader study, but also she also far exceeds her competition in all 5 major leadership traits displayed in table 2.2.  

        Kelsey displays intelligence and cognitive ability by entering the company with her MBA from Harvard, and in combination with her high graduating status, she undeniably has measurable traits of intelligence. Though she is not listed as self confident, she is listed as being comfortable to work with by every supervisor at GLF. This trait is gained only by having a large level in interpersonal knowledge and confidence in oneself, thus another trait pertaining to successful leadership. She displays her personal determination by graduating at the top of her class, and pushing 2 products to production line in only 5 years. If she were able to focus her efforts solely on research and development, it is undeniable that her determination to succeed and promote company growth would be witnessed. She also displays integrity and sociability by being a company member with such a positive reputation, and ability to ease those around her with a comforting personality, all essential in the trait approach. If people already believe she is capable of one day being president of the company, they unquestionably would accept her as the accurate choice for the new director of research.  

        The trait approach in this case is helpful in identifying the correct candidate based on their personal abilities as natural born leaders, and the relevance they have to the companies needs. Based on the trait approach, leaders are easily distinguished from non- leaders, and Kelsey is the most qualified and in my opinion, the best choice to ensure the continued success at GLF. While Alexa, and Thomas also undeniably possess traits of a leader, their skills and knowledge would be better placed in different positions. Alexa’s long time commitment and knowledge of GLF makes her a contender for the new position, but based on the trait approach, Kelsey out performs her on almost every level. It is important not to confuse length of experience, and raw leadership ability in this case. Because she has worked so many positions within the company, her abilities would be better used in a position where a broad knowledge of company procedures are needed, and not the specific focus area of research and development.