Certain personality traits and characteristics are associated with leadership potential. The dominant thinking is that extrovert or charismatic people make for strong leaders — and this is not something unique to the development sector, explained Girish Menon, chief executive of ActionAid UK.
Menon’s team has been making a conscious effort to change perceptions of leadership and to recognize and nurture different forms of leadership potential. As a result, there has been more diversity in those applying for jobs and making it through the door at Action Aid, he said. A more diverse group of staff have also demonstrated confidence in going for more senior roles, he continued.
From an external perspective, it might be unclear how some staff have gained leadership or senior management roles, since they don’t appear to be speaking confidently or demonstrating traditional leadership qualities, Menon said, adding that this is precisely the point of their promotion.