New Study on Assertiveness and Leadership

What qualities make a person a great leader? According to a new study published in the February issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 'optimal' levels of assertiveness play a key role. When researchers asked people to describe the leadership qualities of their colleagues, most respondents listed typical characteristics such as conscientiousness and intelligence as strengths. Interestingly, respondents identified assertiveness as one of the major problem areas, either describing colleagues as having too much or too little.

Why did so many participants identify assertiveness as a weakness? According to researcher Daniel Ames, Ph.D., “When leaders get assertiveness wrong, it’s glaring and obvious, but when they get it right, it seems to disappear."

The authors point out, however, that the study does not suggest leaders should act "moderately assertive." Instead, they suggest a leadership style that is flexible and adaptable, utilizing assertiveness appropriately depending upon the situation.

Read more: What Makes a Good Leaders: The Assertiveness Quotient

Find more information on leadership and leadership styles:

• Leadership Theories
• Lewin's Leadership Styles
• Quiz - What's Your Leadership Style?

_{Photo courtesy Sanja Gjenero}