Are Leaders Born or Made?
What Is a Leader?
The first question to ask is “What is a leader?” A leader is a person who acts as an advisor and guides others in a certain direction or along a set course, to take a particular action or hold a specific opinion, with the aim of achieving a specific goal or objective. A “born leader” is someone with innate traits that lend themselves toward leadership who relies on those inborn characteristics or qualities when faced with having to lead, while a “made leader” is someone who develops leadership skills regardless of any inherent attributes.
Intentionality Makes Great Leaders
Anyone can guide or direct others towards a goal, but to lead well, you have to be willing to do so intentionally. Intentionality is key when it comes to making good leaders; it is the focus and commitment that undergirds the dedication you have to your team. You have to be intentional when developing your leadership skills so that you are confident in the decisions you make and the actions you take as you guide your team.
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“Leaders aren’t born; they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” ~ Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi |
Great Leaders Are Born AND Made
Whether or not you’re born with a natural inclination toward leadership, being willing and eager to lead with intentionality makes all the difference. Through a commitment to learning from other effective leaders, practicing the leadership skills you acquire, and accepting constructive feedback from your leadership mentors as well as your team, you can develop into a truly effective leader.
