August 7, 2023

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." —Warren Bennis

There is no such thing as a "Natural Born Leader." I wish I could shout that from every mountain top in the world. Leaders are not born, they are made through hard work. Whenever I hear the term, "Natural Born Leader" I cringe. It's as if leadership were some exclusive club with a 'leadership gene' that only a lucky few possess. But is it really true? Let's think about it. If leadership were purely genetic, it would mean that only a select few could become leaders, and the rest of us would be destined to follow forever. Doesn't sound fair, does it? In reality, leadership is more like a journey than a predetermined destination. Think of it as a skill that can be cultivated and refined over time. Just like any other skill, leadership requires learning, practice, and a willingness to adapt and grow. It's not about being born with a specific set of traits, but rather about developing the right mindset, acquiring knowledge, and honing your abilities to inspire and guide others. Once upon a time, in a lush and vibrant forest, there were four animals with distinct qualities: a wise owl, a confident lion, a patient turtle, and a creative squirrel. Each animal believed that their innate qualities made them natural leaders. One day, a sudden storm struck the forest, leaving chaos in its wake. The animals realized that they needed to work together to restore order. The owl's wisdom helped them devise a plan, the lion's confidence inspired courage, the turtle's patience kept them focused, and the squirrel's creativity found innovative solutions. As they collaborated, they discovered that their unique qualities complemented each other, making them stronger as a team. Through shared learning, trust-building, and mutual support, they emerged not as 'born leaders,' but as skilled and effective leaders who had grown together. Just like the forest guardians, leadership is not about being born with a magical set of attributes. It's about recognizing your strengths, acknowledging your areas for growth, and committing to continuous learning and development. So, if you've ever doubted your leadership potential because you weren't born with a golden leadership spoon, put those doubts to rest. Embrace the journey of becoming a leader. Seek out mentors, read books, attend workshops, and most importantly, practice what you learn. Leadership isn't about having it all figured out from the start; it's about the willingness to learn and adapt as you go.