What belief is central to the Great Man theories of leadership?

The central belief of the Great Man theories of leadership is that charisma and confidence in leadership are innate qualities. This perspective suggests that leaders are born with inherent traits that predispose them to be effective in leadership roles. These theories emphasize individual characteristics such as charisma, decisiveness, and confidence, which are believed to be naturally occurring rather than developed through training or experience.

The Great Man theories emerged during a time when focus was laid heavily on personal attributes and heroic figures, implying that exceptional leaders possess unique characteristics that set them apart from others. This contrasts sharply with approaches that suggest leadership qualities can be cultivated through experience or education, indicating a fundamental difference in how leadership is understood in various theories.