INTRODUCTION
In today's world of corporate Leadership, many seem to share the belief that it is possible to send employees to a series of classes and make them leaders. Well, we are here today to alert everyone that 'Leaders are born, they are not made'! How often have you seen people promoted into a position of leadership, but they lack any of the qualities of a true leader? I am sure that this happens in our homes, churches and other areas of life, but today.
WHO ARE LEADERS?
Who is a leader?
By definition, a leader is a person who rules or guides or inspires or influences others. A leader is someone others are willing to follow, almost without question. A person who rules or guides or inspires others. Someone others are willing
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2006, p. 462). This can be clearly seen in the people who are born with the makings of a leader - there are certain traits that differentiate leaders from non-leaders.
“To suggest that leaders do not enter the world with extraordinary endowment is to imply that people enter the world with equal abilities and with equal talents.” (Cawthon, D L 1996, p. 2)
In reference to the great man theory of leadership popularized by Thomas Carlyle (1840), popular in the 19th century according to which history can be largely explained by the impact of "great men", or heroes: highly influential individuals who, due to either their personal charisma, intelligence, wisdom, or Machiavellianism utilized their power in a way that had a decisive historical impact.
This does not automatically mean that there are no basic attributes essential for leaders which are present in them from birth and cannot be acquired subsequently. This view is summarized in the saying "no amount of polish can change grains of the wood".
There is substantial evidence to suggest that successful leaders tend to differ from others in many psychological and sociological characteristics such as attitudes, motivations, people orientation, aversion to risk and willingness to take initiative. These qualities cannot be acquired by class room education. But these do not mean that these are determined from birth itself. Many of these characteristics develop at an early age
If leaders are simply born that way then what is the point of leadership development. The answer perhaps creates controversy because the answer is simply both. Clearly there are those who have certain abilities that allow them to more easily assume leadership roles while others of us work to develop the necessary skills. The reality is that each person is unique in their skills and abilities as is each leader. One may be charismatic while another is empathetic, one may have clear vision another remarkable communication skill. We all have a different mix of skills and abilities that allow us the opportunity to lead. “Genetic endowment may merely influence the rate at which domain-specific expertise is acquired without imposing any upper or lower bounds on attainment.” (Simonton, 2007) While some leaders definitely have a genetic advantage on leadership, and may find
19). Still a part of the Great Man Leadership era, these trait theories just went a step further in attempting to pinpoint exactly which traits of these “great men” were consistently associated with the leaders, in an effort to more clearly define what a great leader was. This was again a further attempt to be able to identify a leader early on and predict which individuals were born to become leaders. It is thought that a major flaw with these theories was the failure to account for external factors, such as the environment in which the individuals were brought up in, as well as the situations they experienced (Horner, 2007, p. 270). Still today we do continue to study the characteristics of leaders in order to better define and understand what makes someone a good leader.
Becoming a leader is not natural for all, some people have to spend time learning what it
In Lesson 6, Dr. Fischer explores the ideas of whether leaders are born or made. In some cases certain traits such as extroversion, conscientiousness, openness, and emotional intelligence can suggest that leaders can in
Throughout time the question of “ Are leaders born or made?” continues to be debated. This question has been part of several myths that try to explain what makes a person a leader. According to the trait approach theory, it sets a benchmark for what certain traits an individual must possess in order to make them a leader. Before leadership traits were considered innate. However, as time has progressed research has indicated that situations differentiate leaders from non-leaders. Therefore, an individual does not possess certain traits, rather it is the relationship between the person and its society that make him/her leader. All leaders must have a set of skills that help them lead subordinates to reach an overall vision. A vision must originate from both the leader and its followers, and it is the leader's job to articulate the vision. Furthermore, leaders demonstrate the capacity to lead their followers and
There are numerous theories about leadership. Some of the theories suggest that leaders are born while others suggest that leaders are made through training.
but a leader is a trait that is innate in a person; not everyone can be a leader as the role of leader
Many may measure leadership in success, however, leadership is also measured in personality. The phrase “born to be a leader” holds true when considering the qualities a leader must possess. To be an effective leader, first it must be understood that respect, logical problem solving, and confidence without arrogance is key; these qualities are present in the leaders of the novel The Lord of the Flies as well as in modern leaders of today’s society.
As a growing debate, the question at hand is whether great leaders are born with specific leadership traits, or if one can be taught certain traits over time. According to (Wikipedia.com) the approach of listing leadership qualities, often termed "trait theory of leadership", assumes certain traits or characteristics will tend to lead to effective leadership. I believe that leadership traits such as honest, competent, initiative, inspiring, hardworking, intelligent, and the ability to lead the masses, are some of the leadership traits one should possess. Within this paper, I will examine the overall concept of leadership traits, while observing the traits that were, or can be associated with successful leaders.
In modern day business, leadership has become an issue that is given far more attention and investment than ever before. Leadership involves establishing a clear vision, sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, providing the information, knowledge and methods to realise that vision, and coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members and stakeholder. This essay will discuss whether leaders are born not made, with varies of theories being compared and contrasted and the strengths and limitations of leaders itself. Further this essay will analyse the future aspects of theories which would establish whether a leader was born with leadership qualities or made into a successful leader.
Not everyone can be a leader, but the people who can have certain qualities that make him or her great. Some are strong, bold, and brave. Some are smart, caring, and clever. But in every instance, there is something that separates a leader from the common man.
Leaders aren 't born; their made. The process of leadership is long, complicated and has made elements. Respect, dignity, discipline, people skills, vision, emotional strength, opportunity, preparedness and experience are just some of the intangible elements which come into play when talking leadership.
leader is, if there is some type of genetic makeup to leaders, or whether skills can be learned,
LEADERS ARE BORN NOT MADE There have been an age long debate, and humans since beginning of time, have tried to come up with an answer to this question – Are Leaders born or are they made?. This question has generated an age long debate, which in turn has resulted in various school of thoughts, some believe that leaders are born, while others think otherwise. My contribution to this lifelong debate will serve as a pointer to my position on this issue. I strongly believe that leaders are born and not made. Who is a Leader? - “A leader is a person who guides others toward a common goal, showing the way by example, and creating an environment in which other team members feel actively involved in the entire process. A leader is not the boss of
So if a leader needs a combination of characteristics that makes them successful is a leader born or made? The answer is both. Some people already possess the traits that they need to be leaders and are often leaders from an early age. Some people observe and eventually become leaders. Leadership can be taught. Over the years many theories about leadership have been developed. These theories include but are not limited to trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories, and functional theories.