Are leaders born, or are they made? That’s a question and debate you hear often, and each side feels that it’s right. In truth, though, both are right. You have everything inside you that you need to become a leader. You may not realize it, but you do. If you don’t realize that you have the leadership qualities you need already, however, you can also go out and learn how to become a leader.
You already have everything you need to be the great leader you are. Find these qualities within yourself. Becoming a leader is a process, not an instantaneous occurrence. If you’re not in a leadership position today, it’s not likely that you’re going to be in one tomorrow. Rather, it’s a journey that you’re going to take and that will need dedication.
Incidentally, it should also be mentioned that those who are leaders in their industry and in their jobs also lead in their personal lives. This isn’t something that you instantly turn on and off. This is because if you’re a leader, it’s not a job; it’s who you are, and it helps define you.
So what qualities or attributes do leaders posses? A leader possesses integrity. Believe it or not but this is the single most important quality you must have. People are going to follow you, they are going to do what it is you are asking of them if they believe that you are moral and ethical and you are going to follow through on what it is you are saying. How I like to think of integrity is that you wouldn’t do anything you would be ashamed to tell your grandmother and your children.
Consistency is another important quality a leader needs to have. Deciding on a direction and sticking with it. You aren’t going to walk in to your company one day and tell everyone that you are taking the company to the next level and you want to make changes that will help increase the company’s presence in the industry, bring in new customers and then the next week come in and tell everyone that you are cutting the new project budget and downgrading company technology. You establish a goal and work towards that goal everyday to make sure it’s achieved.
Next, you need to deeply understand your business to be a successful leader. You need to educate yourself so that you know what you’re talking about. Then, tell those you work with what the company can do for them. You can’t fake this and shouldn’t. How many times have you talked to someone who was a so-called “professional” that didn’t have a clue what he or she was talking about? If you’re smart, you walked away, and other people will too if you’re in the same situation. This is why you have to know what you’re talking about.
Being able to admit when you make a mistake is also crucial in leadership. Everyone makes mistakes, and if you are one who doesn’t ever make a mistake then you are not doing your job. When you do make a mistake admit it, if you try to hide it or deny it you are going to loose respect. You also need to be able to listen and be willing to take the opinions and criticisms of others. You also need to be able to make decisions. Listen to other people, but you have to be able make the final decision. If you know how, you can bring out the leadership qualities you have within and be on the path of true power in every facet of your life.
I always go back to the Christian story of who should be the greatest? He who is great should be least. He who is the leader should first be the servant. He who leads should first and foremost know how to follow and humble himself.
I agree that everyone has what they need to be a great leader. In Directive Communication Psychology, this is a person's Leadership Identity. I personally recommend the book "identity Intelligence" to develop this identity in you
Great post. I certainly think leaders are both born and made. We need certain elements to be great leaders but, even if some of these arent' naturally available, they can be gained by people through experience, coaching and teaching. I don't think there is anything a person can't do but some people find things easier initially due to a natural talent for it.
You also have some great points in the qualities leaders posess. I particuarly relate to your point about leaders being able to admit to mistakes. This show confidence and the intelligence to continually be challenging your own decisions.