What is a major criticism of the great man theory of leadership?

The great man theory of leadership is often criticized for its failure to acknowledge the importance of failure and experience in shaping a leader's capabilities. This theory posits that great leaders are born with inherent traits that predispose them to leadership roles, overlooking the significant learning that occurs through challenges, setbacks, and the experiences gained over a lifetime. Effective leadership often results from a combination of natural abilities and the lessons learned from failures and successes.

By focusing solely on the innate qualities that define "great men," this perspective neglects how leaders evolve through their experiences, including the mistakes they make. Real-world leadership generally requires resilience and adaptability, which are formed through one's journey and the lessons learned along the way. This criticism highlights the need for a broader understanding of what constitutes effective leadership, moving beyond the notion that it is strictly tied to predetermined traits or characteristics.