Probably the simplest way to describe the idea behind trait theories is the concept of ‘either you've got it or you haven't'. While that description is clearly over-simplistic, it is, nevertheless, precise, for all that. According to Trait Theories, leaders have been described as having that instinctive ability to lead, although that does not explain why followers instinctively recognize those qualities in that leader. Basically, according to the Trait Theory perspective, all leaders share a number of qualities and personalities that allow leadership qualities to shine through.

It is important to make perfectly clear, at this stage that Trait Theories evolved early on in the study of leadership studies. Ideas and new approaches have largely made this concept obsolete, with modern studies investigating how leadership qualities can be developed, recognizing that all individuals have the capacity for leadership if it is channeled appropriately. There are certain benefits that have come out of these early Trait Theories. One of these is the recognition that a person's behavioral traits occur as a result of external events.

These, in turn, are affected by thoughts emerging from a leader's own mindset. As a result, successful leadership is able to emerge as the outcome of beliefs of the leader's thought processes. Eventually this will put into motion a series of events that result in effective leadership. In other words, obsolete though Trait Theories are, they helped to shape the way leadership qualities were identified. In time these leadership qualities became recognized as a valid style of leadership.