subject: Is Leadership Something That Is Learned Or Are Leader Born? [print this page] This is an age old question that is very clear at least in my mind! Before I let you in on what I think let's talk about some of the things that are going on out there in the world of business today. There is no question that there are enough different types of leadership skills classes that could fill libraries full of information. Those classes are on every aspect of leadership from executive coaching training to basic supervisory skills. With all the classes available the world must be filled with excellent leaders, right?
If you are able to follow along and learn the techniques and teachings of all these great instructors there can't be any doubt about whether you will become the greatest leader ever. After I read over some of the course material I was certain that a leader could be made. You would become someone that could learn how to talk to their staff and pick up on key body language signals so you would know instantly what to respond with. It will become second nature on setting your priorities so that your employees identify you with great leaders throughout the world. Picking up little secret techniques like listening actively to really show your staff you care about them. Yes, this is what makes a regular person into a fantastic leader, correct?
As you may have deducted already I am a strong believer that leaders are born into this world and not made from ordinary people. Those leaders that are born are developed through either formal training or through the school of hard knocks. Leaders will sooner or later show their selves no matter how hard someone tries to hold them back.
The ones that are not born with leadership skills I believe fall into those with management skills. I do believe management skills can be taught to almost anyone; however, using those management skills to perfection takes a real leader. A leader that was born and not made! Let me give you an analogy of what I mean.
Are major league baseball pitcher's born or made? Can anyone be taught how to effectively throw a baseball in excess of ninety miles an hour? Before you answer that you better think carefully since we know that they can't be. They must be born with the raw talent to be able to throw a baseball that fast. Certainly those skills can be improved and are by the coaches, but still they must have the talent to begin with.
