Why Do You Believe Leaders Are Born Or Is Leadership Learned

1why Do You Believe Leaders Are Born Or Is Leadership A Learned Skil

Why do you believe leaders are born, or is leadership a learned skill? In addition to using two sources, such as the articles by Goleman and Kirkpatrick, support your response with a specific example. What is charisma, why is it important to leadership, and do you agree it can be learned? Identify one (1) charismatic leadership trait and discuss how to develop it; support your response with a specific example.

Paper For Above instruction

Leadership has long been a subject of debate among scholars and practitioners: are leaders born with innate qualities that predispose them to lead, or can leadership be acquired through experience and training? The nature versus nurture debate continues to elicit diverse viewpoints, but contemporary leadership theories increasingly support the idea that leadership skills can be developed over time, although certain innate qualities may provide an advantage. Drawing upon the insights of Daniel Goleman and Kirkpatrick, this paper explores whether leaders are born or made, discusses the significance of charisma in leadership, and examines how a charismatic trait can be cultivated.

Goleman (2000), renowned for his work on emotional intelligence, emphasizes that effective leadership largely hinges on emotional competencies such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These qualities are largely learnable and can be nurtured through deliberate practice and feedback. For instance, a manager who actively works on improving their empathy can better understand team members' perspectives, fostering a more cohesive work environment. Kirkpatrick (2006), a prominent leadership development expert, advocates that leadership skills such as strategic thinking and communication can be taught through training programs, mentoring, and experiential learning. Her research indicates that individuals can develop leadership competencies regardless of whether they exhibit innate traits initially, emphasizing the malleability of leadership abilities.

One specific example illustrating the learned nature of leadership is Satya Nadella's transformation of Microsoft. When Nadella became CEO in 2014, he led a cultural shift emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning—traits he cultivated through intentional effort and reflection. His focus on emotional intelligence and growth mindset exemplifies how leadership qualities can be developed to adapt to organizational needs and foster innovation.

Regarding charisma, it is often considered a vital trait for inspiring and motivating followers, influencing their perceptions and behaviors. Charisma involves personal qualities such as confidence, eloquence, charm, and a compelling presence. These traits can be instrumental in rallying support and rallying teams around a vision. However, there is debate over whether charisma is innate or can be learned. While some aspects of charisma, such as natural magnetism or specific personality characteristics, may be inherent, many charismatic traits can be developed through deliberate practice.

One charismatic leadership trait that can be cultivated is confidence. Confidence exudes assurance and trustworthiness, making followers more willing to accept a leader’s vision. To develop confidence, a leader can focus on building competence through ongoing education and preparation, setting and achieving small goals to build self-efficacy, and practicing positive self-talk. For example, a leader who consistently prepares thoroughly for presentations and seeks feedback can gradually enhance their confidence in public speaking, thereby increasing their charisma and influence.

In conclusion, the prevailing evidence suggests that leadership is largely a learned skill, supported by theories and examples that demonstrate the capacity for growth and development. Charisma, while partially innate, can be actively cultivated through intentional efforts to enhance specific traits such as confidence. Recognizing that leadership abilities and charismatic qualities can be developed encourages organizations and individuals to invest in training, coaching, and self-improvement initiatives aimed at fostering effective leadership.

References

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• Kirkpatrick, S. (2006). Leading with authority: A guide to developing your leadership skills. Harvard Business Review Press.
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