Are leaders born or made?

Question

Nature, nurture, or a combination of the two?

Some interesting responses, thanks. I asked this question because of my own experience. when I was younger, I don't think many people at work would have imagined that I could lead anyone or anything effectively, as I am not the world's most practical person and was not very organised. 10 years on I am manager of a flagship store, which I have pushed to the no1 spot in the Company. I therefore think that leadership skills can definitely be learned and applied successfully - that's how I did it, I don't think I was born a natural manager.

Re: mrteabagg - I've learned to do all those things successfully.

I don't think it has anything to do with intelligence - I've got tons of qualifications because I'm academic, but am sorely lacking in common sense! I've learned to be more practical though.

ruhtrachi: Thanks for the kind comments, but I think you're wrong about the common sense thing: it's very relevant. To be an effective leader, one has to have a certain amount of common sense in order to make realistic and sensible decisions... something that I have learned through experience. Anyway, my comment there was in answer to anderson, whose answer mentioned intelligence.
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Just want to add that I didn't put all that info there for the sake of blowing my own trumpet - I was using my own experience as an illustration for my question, as I think I'm a good example of someone who has become a good leader by learning.

Pagey's: I'd give you some abuse in return for your pointless comment, but I'm better than that. Go back to your little playground and learn some manners.

Answer 1

In an open and equal society, leaders are made, not born.

Personality is created during childhood and modeled further during adolescence and early adulthood, based on experience and the surrounding environments.
If Che Guevara had not travelled through Latin America and had his life and views changed by the things he saw and the people he met, he would have likely remained an Argentine doctor.
If Gandhi hadn't moved to South Africa and faced the terrible discrimination present there, maybe he wouldn't have politized so much, and he would have remained a lawyer.
If Napoleon hadn't joined the French Army, he wouldn't have learned all the valuable political and military skills that later would allow him to become emperor.

Leadership capabilities and motivation are personality traits, and, as such, are molded by your life experience and background.
With the exception of kings and princes that are already born to a position of leadership (though you could still say that their fathers mold their personality in childhood), most leaders decide to pursue that path based on their life experience and personality.
To be a leader, you need both skill and motivation, and those are abilities adquired in life, you are not born with them.

Answer 2

ago
The best leaders are made by their own popularity. A true leader starts off unpopular, makes their voice heard, and becomes a leader. Some leaders are born as leaders, and often cannot see beyond their own misconceptions, therefore not being TRULY useful to anyone.

In truth, a leader is somebody who follows, not leads. A representative, rather than a ruler. With that, I conclude that ALL people are born with the capacity to make thems

Answer 3

It's a combination of the two... some people are leaders from a very early age, due to genetic pre-dispositions, physical and intellectual abilities - also the environment in which they are raised.

Other people (Joan of Arc, for example), are thrust into leadership roles by circumstance - We all have the potential to lead, given the right chain of events and a degree of will.

Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery ("Monty") was a bit of a social misfit ... quite an odd-ball, but had the right kind of mind-set to be a good tactician and to understand how to inspire the troops - wearing more than 1 cap badge and getting the troops to circle his jeep, instead of "preaching" to them in parade formation.

It sounds like you've done well ... just remember to maintain your skills and position!! A good leader never rests on his/her laurels.

Answer 4

The best leaders are made by their own popularity. A true leader starts off unpopular, makes their voice heard, and becomes a leader. Some leaders are born as leaders, and often cannot see beyond their own misconceptions, therefore not being TRULY useful to anyone.

In truth, a leader is somebody who follows, not leads. A representative, rather than a ruler. With that, I conclude that ALL people are born with the capacity to make themselves leaders, which is not a combination of the two, rather a shift from one to the other.

Answer 5

I think they are made and I'll tell you why. Everyone has it in them to become something greater than what they are. I think it has a lot to do with your upbringing as well as taking responsibility for your actions as an adult. We all have potential in us, but not everyone realizes their full potential due to past problems, abuse, circumstances that we don't want to or just cannot let go of. We all have the power to change ourselves for the better, but it's up to us to make that decision. No one else can do it for us. If every adult would ask themselves, "where do I want to be in 5 years, what do I want to accomplish?" then maybe they would realize that our present circumstances are a result of our past actions/behaviors/ideas. Leaders see who they can become and the impact they can make on society and look toward that future. I don't believe they are just born. Whatever circumstances they have faced have MADE them stronger. It's not always easy (never is) but they forgo temporary discomfort because they know what lies ahead and that keeps them going.

Answer 6

I think that like all personality traits, the answer is a combination of the two, perhaps the best way to work it out is to look at what makes a leader, is it inspiring others by hard work, determination, constantly being aware of how others are coping and helping those less able, being prepared to be tough when the situation calls for it. Well all of these are traits that could just as well be applied to other jobs, being a carer or a parent, its only a matter of how they are applied and opportunities offered to apply them to leadership.

Answer 7

Wild amber congrats you have done well and your not alone when you say academics lack common sense its generally known and accepted but its not relevant but i must disagree with you regarding "are leaders born" YES they certainly are i have seen many cases to prove this in the service and civilian life and i think a lot of people will agree but leaders still come from a persons determination to get to the top and control business and staff Good Luck to you may you go far!

Answer 8

I think leaders are made from the experiences gained. Not in anyway do I beleive it comes from birth but birth and environment would aid the person to gain the experiences needed. I do believe anyone can be a leader at anytime in their life as leaders are breed out of change / revolution. It is someone's passion and desire to make a difference that people follow and that makes leaders special. Leaders are great followers and watchers.

Answer 9

Definitely made. I don't think you have to be the most intelligent or practical person to make a good leader. You have to have an ability to inspire people around you and that can often come from "strong Honesty".

The really good leaders our often the most transparent in what they do and say. The people around them will work hard to achieve their goals because they have a clear idea of what they need to do in order for where they need to be. Their also be happy to trust their judgement because they can see the logic behind it.

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Answer 10

Some people have natural charisma, determination and leadership potential. However, many others think they have these things and are arragont borish and typically over priveliged immature boys.

Anyone could be a leader, being a good leader though can only be judged by loyalty and morale and effectiveness. and that from decisions made.