What does the Great Man Approach emphasize as key to leadership?

The Great Man Approach to leadership emphasizes that certain individuals are born with inherent traits that make them natural leaders. This perspective suggests that leadership qualities, such as charisma, intelligence, decisiveness, and confidence, are genetically endowed or intrinsically linked to the person's identity. The term “Great Man” reflects the belief that leaders are exceptional individuals, often of noble birth, whose qualities cannot easily be replicated or learned by others.

This viewpoint contrasts with other theories, such as those that focus on behavioral traits developed through experience or the notion that leadership can be influenced by environmental factors. While these alternate perspectives acknowledge the importance of situational context and the development of skills, the Great Man Approach specifically posits that those unique, inherited traits set leaders apart, suggesting a more deterministic view of leadership.