Leadership is Learned

For much of human history, it was believed that leaders are born. Even worse, it was believed that leaders were not only born but they were born only in certain families. Anyone else showing aptitude for leadership was considered an opportunist and if successful, an usurper. Just 50 years ago, in this country, it was accepted that leaders possessed a genetic marker that made them different from the rest of humanity. Sadly, this is still true today in many educated, advanced cities, countries and cultures – not just the uneducated cul de sacs that exist everywhere on earth.

I write “sadly” this is true, because leadership is learned. It is not a trait. In fact, leadership is a foundational practice essential to our social stability. Leadership challenges appear in our families, our schools, our places of employment, our places of worship, our institutions, in short in every moment of our lives. Although it is possible that some leaders were prodigies (much like Mozart was in music) anyone who has ever led an organization can tell you that leadership is not a trait. It is a skill that can be learned and it is a skill that must be honed. Regardless of genetic makeup, race, color or creed.

If you are really lucky, you can get pointers along the way from someone who has been leading well for a long time. Usually, however, leaders learn by doing, by failing, and then getting up from a failure to try again. Over time, years perhaps, leadership skills are attained and refined.

Is leadership charisma and passion or skill and wisdom? How much of attaining a prominent leadership role is luck and how much is hard work? Is it true that once you are a leader, you are always perceived to be a leader? Is the leadership practiced by a parent, a teacher, a CEO, or a Governor the same or different?