A leadership theory is an explanation of some aspect of leadership. There are various theories that try to give credence to the different styles people in management positions use to lead and carry out their responsibilities. They have practical value as they are used to help in bettering the understanding of leadership, predicts future trends and have control of successful leadership. Theories of leadership are mainly used to inform practice (Palestini, 2009). The approaches in research on leadership theories are divided into traits, behavior, contingency and integrative. This research paper aims at focusing attention on the trait theory paradigm to better understand the distinctive characteristics of effective leadership.

Myers-Briggs trait finder was used to develop my inventory of characteristics that will enable me know the kind of leadership to use so as to achieve my personal objectives as well as those of the organization. The results to be found at http://www.16personalities.com/estj-personality indicated my personality to be that of an executive. Out of the many questions that one is prompted to answer with the degree of agreeing or not to a particular prompt, a report is generated that also suggest the kind of personality one has based on the answers given.

From the results, it is evident that I am an individual that is proactive and always willing to go the extra mile to achieve results and help others. I agree with the results of the assessment and I will use them to enhance my practice in nursing. The traits will especially help me detect and avoid areas of potential conflict with patients.

The individual professional I chose to contrast myself with is Mary Eliza Mahoney. She was the first black professional nurse who was, and is still lauded for her commitment to the practice of nursing (Daly, Speedy, & Jackson, 2004). The professional is someone that I admire in the characteristics of her servant leadership style. She listened, was committed to the growth of those around her, and worked to build a unified community within the areas she worked, guided by a set of principles (O’Brien, 2011). I believe I have the same characteristics as my model leader as I am influential and motivating among the people around me. I also strive to form relationships with my peers that will be beneficial towards our effectiveness in the workplace and personal enhancement.

As a nurse leader, it is important to incorporate some of the principles that are outlined in ANA’s Nursing: Scope & Standards of Practice. In leading the way, some of my characteristics have to be merged with principles in leadership (Porter-O’Grady, & Malloch, 2013). These are like committing to excellence, measurement of important things in the profession that include but not limited to; service, people, quality and growth. Others include focusing on employee satisfaction, building individuals to be accountable and self-actualized, open communication on all levels and the recognition and reward of success.

During early studies on leadership, assumptions were made that leaders are not made but rather born. Through further research, it has been identified that the portrayal of certain characteristics can identify one as a leader or follower. Though there are many leadership styles, in nursing practice, dedication to the profession calls for the portrayal of more of the characteristics of servant leadership as opposed to those in the other styles (Marshall, & Marshall, 2011). From the personal analysis conducted and the examination of the leadership style of my role model, I conclude that leadership, though not an inhabited characteristic at birth, can be nurtured to perfection through commitment to a certain style and its skills.