Although psychologists have tried to isolate characteristics that make individuals good leaders, one characteristic is undeniably essential: extraversion. Leadership cannot occur in a vacuum. The leader must interact effectively within a group. An extraverted individual is more likely to be a leader than an introverted individual. Researchers have found evidence that certain people are predisposed to assume leadership roles based on their personality traits.
Among any group of unacquainted persons that is given a particular task to perform, a leader must generally emerge before the group can perform effectively. The leader may be task-oriented or socially oriented. The task-oriented leader focuses on the function that the group must perform. The socially-oriented leader places more focus on the feelings and emotions of the group. Regardless of the focus of the leader, this individual tends to talk more than other group members, to initiate conversation more frequently, and to assume a physical demonstration of leadership, e.g., sitting at the head of the table or standing while others are sitting.
Extraversion is one of the five major traits consistently identified in psychological personality tests. Besides extraversion, the other major traits are agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness (Costa & McCrae, 1992, McCrae & John, 1993). The extraverted individual is outgoing and talkative. This personality type tends to be adept in the use of humor. Their body movements are wide and expansive, punctuated with gestures. Movement in general appeals to the extraverted person, as does excitement and stimulation. Optimism and energy are other characteristics.
Numerous personality tests exist to measure the degree of extraversion in the individual. Sample questions on a scale to measure extraversion and/or introversion might ask the subject about his or her preferences for doing impulsive things...