When most people think of leadership, they picture someone with “charisma” or a commanding voice. But leadership isn’t about having a certain style, it’s about understanding the psychology, behaviour, and traits that drive influence and performance. That’s where leadership theories come in.

Let’s explore two classic, research-backed theories that still shape how effective leaders think, act, and grow.

Trait Theory – Are Leaders Born?

Trait Theory is one of the earliest leadership theories, built on the idea that some people are naturally better suited to lead.

Psychologist Gordon Allport suggested that human behaviour stems from different levels of traits:

• Cardinal traits dominate an individual’s entire personality (think: Mother Teresa’s compassion).
• Central traits shape daily behaviour (e.g. honesty, sociability).
• Secondary traits appear in specific contexts (like being anxious before public speaking).

Later, Raymond Cattell refined this further by identifying 16 personality dimensions, like warmth, emotional stability, and dominance. His 16PF model recognised that we all have these traits—just to different degrees. While this theory suggests certain traits may support leadership, it’s now widely accepted that leadership can be learned and developed, not just inherited.

Want to see which traits drive your leadership approach?

Explore Cattell’s 16PF-style assessments online to reflect on your own personality profile an assessment based on Cattell’s 16PF questionnaire to see which personality traits dominate your personality.

Trait theory has been contended over the years as Stephen Covey of 7 habits of highly effective people states, ‘Leaders are not born or made – they are self-made’. 

Behavioural Theory – It’s what you do that counts

While Trait Theory focused on who you are, Behavioural Theory asks a more practical question: What do effective leaders actually do?

According to this theory, effective leaders demonstrate both task-oriented behaviours (getting things done) and relationship-oriented behaviours (supporting their team). Developed by Ivan Pavlov, this concept involves learning through association. An initially neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eventually eliciting a similar response on its own.

Behavioural theory in practice….

A team leader notices project tasks are consistently late. Applying behavioural theory, they introduce a daily 10-minute stand-up meeting to set priorities, use a shared tracker to increase visibility, and publicly acknowledge team members who meet targets. Within weeks, task completion improves, demonstrating that specific, observable leadership behaviours (clear communication, structure, positive reinforcement) drive team performance more than personality traits.

While leadership styles help describe how leaders engage with others, leadership theories explain why certain leaders are effective, and what can be learned. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role or refining your existing approach, grounding your practice in these timeless theories can elevate your impact.

Ready to build leadership that lasts? It starts by knowing what shapes behaviour and personality, and then choosing to lead with purpose.

Step into Leadership with Confidence!

Whether you’re ready to lead a team with impact or shape the future of training, HBTA has the course for you.

• BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management – Sharpen your strategic, people, and operational leadership skills.
• TAE50122 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Leadership) – Build authority as a senior trainer, assessor, or education leader.

Study online with expert support, flexible delivery, and real-world application.

• Call: 1300 704 742
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Take the next step – enrol today and lead with purpose.