Final answer:
D) Inspiring trust is more characteristic of a leader than striving for control, doing things right, or demanding respect because it enables leaders to connect, motivate, and empower others to achieve common goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the characteristics of a leader, D) inspiring trust is more representative of effective leadership than striving for control, doing things right, or demanding respect.
While control, correctness, and respect are elements that can be associated with leadership, they do not capture the essence of what makes one a truly effective leader.
Inspiring trust is at the heart of leadership because it encompasses the ability to connect with others, establish a shared vision, and motivate and empower others to achieve collective goals.
This capability is central to building relationships and fostering an environment where team members are committed to the leader's vision and to each other.
Various leadership styles like democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian cater to different situations, but they all require a level of trust to be effective.
Democratic leaders work to build consensus and encourage participation, while laissez-faire leaders give autonomy to their teams, trusting them to self-manage.
Authoritarian leaders, though more controlling, also need to inspire a degree of trust to ensure that tasks are carried out effectively.
The key to leadership across these styles remains the ability to inspire trust, which aids in building loyalty and influence among followers.