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In your opinion are leaders born or made?
Here is my opinion: Leaders can be both born and made, as some people have natural leadership qualities while others develop them through experience and training. But I would really love to hear your opinion.
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11 answers
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Nadia’s Answer
It's a fascinating and valid question.
I agree that being a leader is often a combination of knowledge, experience, learnings (so, the things that we "earn" during a lifetime, and natural predispositions and character; however, the latter are commonly misunderstood or simplified. For example, many people would still describe a child with natural leadership skills as the one which is extrovert, energetic, bold, talkative or even bossy or demanding. Luckily, thanks to many studies and research, nowadays we know that a leader can be also a person who is a complete opposite. The thing that really matters is ability to use one's strengths and talents and building their leadership style based on them.
Additionally, the meaning of "being a leader" has developed a lot. In the past, it was more about having the exact set of traits and being officially appointed as a manager of a group of people. Nowadays, a leader can be also (for example) a technical expert, project manager, a senior team member, a change manager, etc. This also helped in expanding the term and "enabling" leadership to different kinds of people. Some examples of things that are pretty common among today's world good leaders are empathy and consciousness: not only about the world, environment, cultures, problems, business, but also (what's even more important) about their own challenges and areas of improvement.
My recommendation for new or aspiring leaders is to learn as much possible; not only about leadership itself, but also about communication (challenges, styles), different cultures, Emotional Intelligence, change management, etc.
I agree that being a leader is often a combination of knowledge, experience, learnings (so, the things that we "earn" during a lifetime, and natural predispositions and character; however, the latter are commonly misunderstood or simplified. For example, many people would still describe a child with natural leadership skills as the one which is extrovert, energetic, bold, talkative or even bossy or demanding. Luckily, thanks to many studies and research, nowadays we know that a leader can be also a person who is a complete opposite. The thing that really matters is ability to use one's strengths and talents and building their leadership style based on them.
Additionally, the meaning of "being a leader" has developed a lot. In the past, it was more about having the exact set of traits and being officially appointed as a manager of a group of people. Nowadays, a leader can be also (for example) a technical expert, project manager, a senior team member, a change manager, etc. This also helped in expanding the term and "enabling" leadership to different kinds of people. Some examples of things that are pretty common among today's world good leaders are empathy and consciousness: not only about the world, environment, cultures, problems, business, but also (what's even more important) about their own challenges and areas of improvement.
My recommendation for new or aspiring leaders is to learn as much possible; not only about leadership itself, but also about communication (challenges, styles), different cultures, Emotional Intelligence, change management, etc.
Mark King
2 business owner -Chef service & handyman service-Proud Military Veteran
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Mark’s Answer
Leaders are not born. They are made based on their life's experiences. A good Leader takes the Good & the bad from their lives & LEARNS from those experiences. A Good Leader talks little, has their actions do the talking for them. The Person leads by example, does not ask of those they are leading that they themselves will not do.
Good leaders are not necessarily born as such- you have to be willing to learn every day and to realize that what they believed yesterday isn't always what works for today.
christine orzechowski
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Johnny’s Answer
Some people are more inclined or ready to be leaders earlier in their life based on their personality or personal experiences but all leaders, even "natural born leaders" are made in some way. Regardless of whether they are considered a leader or not, both groups can do and learn things to become leaders or better leaders. Being a leader is a non-stop role requiring continual growth through self-learning which can be achieved through experiences, a mentor, books, articles and classes. Leaders tend to support and understand their team or people around them. This creates mutual growth by allowing everyone to grow themselves while also creating mutual respect.
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david’s Answer
I agree with Mark King, who also responded to your question. Leaders are not born. When we encounter such persons, what we are seeing is an individual who was allowed and encouraged at a young age to develop self-confidence and interpersonal skills. The rest of us can learn this by studying leadership profiles and skills. True leaders do not define themselves but are defined by those who follow them. The strong manager is one who identifies the leader among subordinates and uses that individual to advantage in achieving the manager's objectives. The weak manager is one who quells leadership in subordinates for fear of losing authority. It is not vital, then, to be a stron leader; what is vital in management is to identify the leaders and use their talents. That way, everyone wins.
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Racheal’s Answer
Hello,
Interesting question and one I've had with several people. Leaders are made. We all he the ability to learn and lead in a certain area of life that proves our capabilities. I think the reason this question comes up, is because people vision of a leader is someone who owns their own business or CEO, billionaire or millionaire. Trust and believe most millionaire don't inherit money, they also have made mistakes to learn from them, so that would mean that they are made thought those transitions.
Also, a person has the ability to be a leader an any setting. For example, we've minimized SAHMs in this world, and yet they are the ones leading and managing homes when their partners are at work. While there has been studies proving that if SAHMs earned financial return on their investment they would have at least a 6 figure salary, yet people don't really mention this population as leaders because of the association related to SAHM being "in their feminine!" Well, when they are the ones in charge of the home while their partners are at work, they are leaders which is a masculine attribute and one to be very proud of, especially when they can get up the next day and do it all over again. Many of these people gave up their salaries careers to transfer all those learned skills to their home and even if they went from their parents home to the home of their partner to began that lifestyle, they had to learn how to do manage that home and it was a work in progress.
To conclude, leaders in my opinion are made, and good leaders are teachable, responsible, and know their worth !
Interesting question and one I've had with several people. Leaders are made. We all he the ability to learn and lead in a certain area of life that proves our capabilities. I think the reason this question comes up, is because people vision of a leader is someone who owns their own business or CEO, billionaire or millionaire. Trust and believe most millionaire don't inherit money, they also have made mistakes to learn from them, so that would mean that they are made thought those transitions.
Also, a person has the ability to be a leader an any setting. For example, we've minimized SAHMs in this world, and yet they are the ones leading and managing homes when their partners are at work. While there has been studies proving that if SAHMs earned financial return on their investment they would have at least a 6 figure salary, yet people don't really mention this population as leaders because of the association related to SAHM being "in their feminine!" Well, when they are the ones in charge of the home while their partners are at work, they are leaders which is a masculine attribute and one to be very proud of, especially when they can get up the next day and do it all over again. Many of these people gave up their salaries careers to transfer all those learned skills to their home and even if they went from their parents home to the home of their partner to began that lifestyle, they had to learn how to do manage that home and it was a work in progress.
To conclude, leaders in my opinion are made, and good leaders are teachable, responsible, and know their worth !
Alexandra McCoy
Site Reliability Engineer - SaaS Reliability Enablement
42
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Alexandra’s Answer
I believe both. I do think some leaders are born and it is innate. But then there also comes into play nature vs nurture. One can still argue that as you grow, nurture plays a role in shaping that. However, I also believe that you can see something or certain characteristics and qualities in a person and groom them into being great leaders. But, one could also argue that if you see something in them, then that innate leadership capability was already there, they just needed to be cleaned up a bit. I think this is a very interesting question and something that makes you ponder a bit.
Updated
Junan’s Answer
Leaders are made. There will be some people that are inherently more passionate about leading or are more drawn to some of the traditional "expected" leadership skills like presenting, inspiring, decisiveness, etc.
That being said, a key point is that the definition and style of each leader can vary widely so its important that each aspiring leader find their own style. Introverts can be amazing leaders because the points they make are so thoughtful. When they speak up, everyone listens.
One suggestion is to look around and identify leaders that you admire and observe what makes them special (especially if they are similar to your own personal style).
That being said, a key point is that the definition and style of each leader can vary widely so its important that each aspiring leader find their own style. Introverts can be amazing leaders because the points they make are so thoughtful. When they speak up, everyone listens.
One suggestion is to look around and identify leaders that you admire and observe what makes them special (especially if they are similar to your own personal style).
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Josue, I appreciate the nature versus nurture aspect. When asking a question about tendencies versus skill I think it’s a combination of both.
Skill can easily be related to a sport. Someone who has never picked up a golf club can’t simply pick it up and be great at it. It takes practice. Some might pick it up faster than others but the notion of this skill being taught is there. That’s why repetitions are important. Thats why practice is important.
On the otherwise, tendencies are soft skills usually more inherent with learned principles. You cannot practice leadership per se. You are in a leadership position and you learn as you lead. So it is a combination. Leaders have traits and qualities like confidence, presence, ability to speak and persuade. You can be taught better ways to do it but there is still a combination of the two.
On occasion, there are moments where an individual can rise to the occasion. Think George Washington, MLK, and folks of the like. They had inherent qualities that were extrapolated based on circumstance.
Hope that helps, sounds like if you’re asking a question like this that you are well on your way to being a leader!
Skill can easily be related to a sport. Someone who has never picked up a golf club can’t simply pick it up and be great at it. It takes practice. Some might pick it up faster than others but the notion of this skill being taught is there. That’s why repetitions are important. Thats why practice is important.
On the otherwise, tendencies are soft skills usually more inherent with learned principles. You cannot practice leadership per se. You are in a leadership position and you learn as you lead. So it is a combination. Leaders have traits and qualities like confidence, presence, ability to speak and persuade. You can be taught better ways to do it but there is still a combination of the two.
On occasion, there are moments where an individual can rise to the occasion. Think George Washington, MLK, and folks of the like. They had inherent qualities that were extrapolated based on circumstance.
Hope that helps, sounds like if you’re asking a question like this that you are well on your way to being a leader!
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Tajas’s Answer
I'm convinced that leaders are crafted, though some may be born with inherent leadership traits. Leaders grow, soak in experiences, and evolve into the role they aspire to. This isn't something you're naturally born with. Sure, you might be born with leadership traits, but it's entirely up to you to utilize these to rise as a leader. Conversely, a leader can also be forged through harnessing their own personal determination and ambition, elements that aren't innate at birth.
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Bo’s Answer
Hi Josue,
The question of whether leaders are born or made has been a subject of debate for a long time. The general consensus among researchers and experts is that leadership is a complex trait influenced by a combination of both nature and nurture factors.
Some individuals may possess certain inherent qualities or traits that lend themselves well to leadership, such as charisma, confidence, and assertiveness. These traits could be considered as being "born" with leadership potential. However, simply having these traits does not guarantee effective leadership.
Leadership also involves a set of skills and behaviors that can be learned and refined over time through experience, education, and training. Individuals can develop leadership abilities through formal education, mentorship, on-the-job experiences, and self-improvement efforts. Even those with inherent leadership traits can benefit greatly from honing their skills through these avenues.
It's essential to recognize that leadership is a multi-faceted concept, and effective leaders often exhibit a diverse range of qualities, including empathy, adaptability, communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. These attributes can be cultivated and enhanced through learning and practice.
While some people may naturally possess certain qualities that make them more inclined to be leaders, leadership is ultimately a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Both aspects play a vital role in shaping effective leaders, and individuals can develop and improve their leadership abilities with dedication and effort.
The question of whether leaders are born or made has been a subject of debate for a long time. The general consensus among researchers and experts is that leadership is a complex trait influenced by a combination of both nature and nurture factors.
Some individuals may possess certain inherent qualities or traits that lend themselves well to leadership, such as charisma, confidence, and assertiveness. These traits could be considered as being "born" with leadership potential. However, simply having these traits does not guarantee effective leadership.
Leadership also involves a set of skills and behaviors that can be learned and refined over time through experience, education, and training. Individuals can develop leadership abilities through formal education, mentorship, on-the-job experiences, and self-improvement efforts. Even those with inherent leadership traits can benefit greatly from honing their skills through these avenues.
It's essential to recognize that leadership is a multi-faceted concept, and effective leaders often exhibit a diverse range of qualities, including empathy, adaptability, communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. These attributes can be cultivated and enhanced through learning and practice.
While some people may naturally possess certain qualities that make them more inclined to be leaders, leadership is ultimately a combination of innate traits and learned skills. Both aspects play a vital role in shaping effective leaders, and individuals can develop and improve their leadership abilities with dedication and effort.
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Kale’s Answer
I view leadership as a choice - a choice to sacrifice in the service of others and to something greater than yourself. The type of leader you are and how effective you are is about how you leverage your natural talents in this mission.