(Photo Source: Inc Magazine)
“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” —Warren Bennis
We tend to think of certain people as “born leaders,” and quite often they prove us right when thrust into a leadership position. Without a doubt, some of the most successful leaders seem destined for greatness from youth, oozing charisma and inspiring those who follow them. So, it certainly seems that you can be a “born leader.” But according to the leadership guru, Warren Bennis, “The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” Wait, what?
In the world of thought leadership, perhaps no one was more respected on the subject of leadership itself than Bennis, so it’s fair to say he knew what he was talking about. What was he trying to tell us, though? He was saying that, indeed, no one is actually ever a “born leader’; that’s impossible. Sure, whatever personality traits, talent, or qualities you have might make you well suited to leadership, but success in such a role can never be a given.
If you think about it, it’s a play on the classic debate between “nature vs. nurture.” Bennis was, in effect, saying that no matter one’s nature, leaders must be nurtured. If a leadership role not the right fit for you, your talents may be wasted, and those under you may be left directionless and demotivated. Bennis was of the opinion that “leadership” is a skill people learns, not a birthright.
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