Are leaders born or made?
The first thing people want to know about leadership is usually ‘are leaders born or made?’. Here at LEAD we like to believe that leaders can be made — and so does Dean of the Leavey School of Business and Professor of Leadership, Barry Posner. “Leadership abilities are distributed in a population just as any other talent is,” he states. “But, like any skillset it can be learned.”
In fact, Posner claims talent in this regard is overrated and it is practice, desire, motivation, drive or passion that is required instead. “Becoming a better leader only happens in the ‘doing’ of leadership,” he explains. He then goes on to clarify, “No amount of practising and coaching can make up for the lack of desire…or passion on the part of the individual.”
Practise, practise, practise
As a student, you have many opportunities to practise leadership — whether you’re in a specified leadership position or not. According to Posner, you can’t learn to be a leader until you’ve experienced leading yourself. Which makes sense, right? It’d be like calling yourself a surgeon without ever entering the operating theatre.
Be a leader everyday
There are many things you can do to practice your leadership skills that don’t require any training, or any fancy techniques.
- Set an example
You know the old adage ‘be the light you wish to see in the world’? Yep, that one definitely applies here. The best leaders are often those who are the type of person they’d like to lead, and therefore set a shining example of the standards being striven towards.
2. Have a positive attitude
Attitude is key when it comes to effective leadership. A leader’s attitude is contagious, so people will pick up the vibe you’re putting down. It’s hard to be negative and disengaged if the people around you are super positive and keen to be productive, so bring the good vibes with you wherever you go.
3. Be prepared
Your credibility as a leader largely depends on how organised you are — in your processes, your time and your thoughts. Being able to clearly articulate plans and expectations to those on your team is essential for great leadership.
4. Go the extra mile
It doesn’t matter if you’re not in a leadership position — you’re still able to demonstrate your potential as a leader by doing above and beyond what’s expected of you. Add value to those around you wherever you can, and look for opportunities to gently and positively guide those around you by leading by example.
5. Be coachable
Feedback is a great mechanism for self-improvement. The problem is, we become less receptive to feedback when we think we’ve got everything in hand. Keeping your ego in check is super important — especially when you’re learning to be a leader. Stay receptive to feedback from your peers and advice from mentors to ensure you’re developing and effective leadership style.
Sure, there are some people born with a natural tendency to lead, but leadership is definitely a skills you can learn, hone and use in everyday life.
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This article is published as part of Griffith University’s LEAD Series. Griffith University Leaders are encouraged to register for our LEAD events, as part of their professional development.
