Final answer:
According to trait theories, the most common traits of a good leader are intelligence and initiative, as these traits contribute significantly to a leader's ability to make strategic decisions and take proactive actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to trait theories, the most common traits of a good leader are intelligence and initiative. These theories suggest that leadership is influenced by a person's characteristics and personal traits, which predict their effectiveness as a leader. Trait theorists categorize traits into cardinal, central, and secondary traits, each playing a different role in a person's life and leadership capacity.
While intelligence is acknowledged by many to be a crucial aspect of effective leadership, allowing for strategic decision-making and problem-solving, initiative is equally important because it drives a leader to take action and demonstrate the diligence necessary for leading a team or organization. Trait theories are part of a broader exploration into the roles of personality and character in leadership, which also considers how these traits interact with different leadership styles, such as democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian leadership.