Leadership Skills: Born or Made? An Analysis of Leadership Theories

This essay delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership, examining whether leaders are inherently born or cultivated through experience and training. It explores the core question of leadership skills and the debate of born vs. made leaders, citing various leadership theories and perspectives. The essay analyzes the characteristics of effective leadership, the role of training and development, and the specific considerations for female leaders. It references influential works and authors in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of leadership concepts and offering insights into the development of leadership qualities. The essay concludes by highlighting the importance of both innate abilities and acquired skills in shaping successful leaders, emphasizing that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and growth.

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Leadership Skills
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Leadership Skills
Leadership is a special skill that individuals possess, this gives them the authority to lead
people in a direction which they should move.
Are leaders born or made
According to Great Man theory, leaders are definitely born not made. The theory argues
that people acquire qualities that make them fit for leadership. If for instance we argued that
leaders are born, it would mean that people have equal capabilities and talents. (Ciulla 2014,
p.12) However, there are certain inborn characteristics that enhance the qualities of a leader.
These features nurture someone into becoming a great leader. In the same way that people are
born with specific talents, inborn characteristics ought to be practiced regularly. This will enable
the leader to learn and master the skills.
According to behavioral theories, leaders are developed through a process. The process
includes coaching, learning and observation. Leadership skills can be enhanced through proper
training, insight, regular practice and experience. (Northhouse, 2018, p.17) Therefore, leadership
is a continuous process. Noble leaders look out for development opportunities whenever
possible. They will use these opportunities to absorb new leadership skills. Soft skills such as
influence, charisma can be enlightened but can’t be rooted. Leadership therefore, can be learned
by anybody with essentials.
Are female leaders born with qualities or they develop them?
It is believed that many ladies are not born having leadership qualities. That is the truth
and it can be a dangerous myth to believe that leaders are born and not developed. Gender plays
the least thing in explaining the role of leadership. (Daft 2014, p.13) There is no difference

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between male and female leadership, they all have the same capabilities. It means that ladies can
do an equal task as men too. Girls though marginalized in the community, can be good leaders
since most of them obtain the basic education from their mother who have the ability of
multitasking. Leadership does not come by personality, all can called to be leaders through
training made to them.( Goleman, 2017,p.23) The women leaders currently were not born being
leaders but learnt through experience how to be good leaders which they are today.
In conclusion, leadership is a gift which is gotten through training and experience. There
is no discrimination of anyone to develop and become leaders. Leaders not born but actually they
develop gradually through their entire life to form good characters and also develop leadership
minds. All yearning to be leaders should learn to lead their life in a perfect way before leading
others.
Leaders are born with solid skills or the skill develop
In my opinion, leadership skills can be inborn or acquired. Some people argue that these
skills are like qualities. There is therefore there is a possibility of being born with leadership
skills. Leadership skills can also be acquired if the person is ready and willing to learn. Just like
good etiquettes which can be taught, leadership skills have the opportunity of being taught. Job
training and development is a great way of boosting leadership skills. People who are self-
confident are motivated to lead. People who are skilled have the ability to become strategic
business leaders.

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References
Ciulla, J.B. ed., 2014. Ethics, the heart of leadership. ABC-CLIO.
Daft, R.L., 2014. The leadership experience. Cengage Learning.
Goleman, D., 2017. Leadership That Gets Results (Harvard Business Review Classics). Harvard
Business Press.
Northouse, P.G., 2018. Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.