Is Leadership inborn talent or can be cultivated?

Answer 1

both
The age old qustion of nature or nurture...

Humans as evolved as we like to think we are, still posess the same instincts as most other social mammals. We respond to good looks and physical stature. It is that feeling of safety that women have with tall husbands, and physical intinidation of smaller rivals which represent some of the "nature" qualities which make a successful leader. Looking at CEOs of major corporation, and elected senators and presidents, the vast majority are well over 6 feet tall. Height is even a more significant factor in earning potential and salary than gender is.

A true leader though, must not only attract followers through physical means, but they must be able to appear confident, communicate well, be masters at the art of body language, inspire trust, and ideally be willing to put the good and interests of those being led over their own. Things such as comprimise, the ability to lie when needed (something that is harder than you might expect), making people feel good about themselves, and other politic traits can only be learned. Though the ability for rational thought has long beed needed for leadership, marketing and sales has recently overshadowed that millenia old requirement.

Values and judgement cannot be learned but must be taught.

Values and judgement are highly subjective however. Genghis Khan and the Inca Kings who practiced human sacrifice were effective leaders even though they would not be close to meeting our values and using our judgement.

The values and judgement which an effective leader expresses must reflect the society, time, and place in which he or she lives.

Answer 2

Like everything else there are people who are better at it than others; however it is something that can be learned. Books can give you some of the basics: "Praise in public, reprimand in private"; there are also classes at many colleges and on line. In the end however you still have to practice what you have learned with real people, doing real work, for real bosses and facing real deadlines. It is when you are under pressure that your true leadership style comes out.

Remember that the people who work for you mostly want to do a good job if you will let them. Your job as leader is to set the direction for them and then help them get there. Once you set the direction then you work for them as a problem solver, helping them succeed. If your people succeed then you do too. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Have you heard of Qutb al-Din Aibak (1210 AD)? He was founder of Muslim dominion in India. He was a slave who became king. And of Maximus Decidius in "Gladiator" who could be emperor if he chose. Power and dominion over others is an inherent characteristic. It is in the genetic construction. No doubt training does make many a commoner a leader but the cutting edge of a born leader; a natural leader; is absent in a leader who is trained and made. If the lineage of Qutb al-Din Aibak was traced, surely royal blood from Turkestan (Turkey) would be inferred.
Leadership is an inborn talent; but can be cultivated, without the cutting edge.

Answer 4

There are tons of self help books out there promising you that you can become a leader, so yes, it can be learned. It does seem that some folks have a more innate ability to do so though.

Answer 5

Yes, it is in our wiring to recognize the female form from all angles. It's instinct man, nothing wrong with it.

Answer 6

Nothing is inborn. You become what you want to become.

Answer 7

I think that for some people it comes naturally but if it doesn't than I deffinitly think that its something that you could learn.

Answer 8

can be cultivated.