Are Leaders Born or Bred?
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Springfield
Abstract
The perennial debate surrounding leadership often revolves around the question: Are leaders born or bred? This abstract explores this inquiry through the lens of three prominent theories: the skills approach, trait approach, and behavioral approach to leadership. The skills approach emphasizes the importance of learned competencies in effective leadership. Leaders, according to this perspective, are made through acquiring and honing specific skills such as problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking. Proponents argue that anyone can become a leader through dedicated practice and development of these skills, regardless of innate qualities. In contrast, the trait approach suggests that certain inherent characteristics predispose individuals to leadership roles. Traits like intelligence, extroversion, and emotional intelligence are believed to be inherent qualities that differentiate leaders from non-leaders. This perspective implies that leadership is largely predetermined by one's genetic makeup, suggesting that leaders are indeed born, not made. Meanwhile, the behavioral approach focuses on observable behaviors rather than innate traits or acquired skills. It suggests that effective leadership is not necessarily tied to specific traits or skills, but rather to behaviors exhibited by individuals in leadership positions. Leaders are defined by their actions, such as their decision-making style, ability to motivate others, and adaptability to different situations. From this viewpoint, leadership can be cultivated through intentional changes in behavior, implying that leaders are both born and made, depending on their willingness to develop and adapt. In conclusion, the question of whether leaders are born or bred remains multifaceted, with each approach offering unique insights into the complex nature of leadership development. Understanding the interplay between inherent traits, acquired skills, and observable behaviors is crucial in unraveling the enigma of leadership emergence and effectiveness.
Authors: Blake Carter, Matt Lollar, Anitha Chirumamilla, Heather Jennings
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Blake Carter County Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31329
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Matt Lollar Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida Cooperative Extension, Florida, 32570
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Anitha Chirumamilla Cropping Systems Specialist, North Dakota State Extension, North Dakota, 58249
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Heather Jennings Extension Agent III, Mississippi State Extension , Mississippi, 39042