The popularity of emotional intelligence and charismatic leadership, two of the most dominant leadership theories in recent years, has blinded us from seeing what really drives executive success. These concepts are the “herbal supplements” of management science. No one knows for sure if they have any value, but independent research shows them to be nowhere near the level of potency they claim.
And like herbal supplements, leadership theories based on personality or style traits can be dangerous when they supplant more effective treatments. Personality-focused ideas of leadership refer to attributes that at best play a minimal role in performance. When they are included alongside criteria ...
