Are Leaders Born or Made Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Are Leaders Born or Made - Essay Example Discussion In recent times there has been debate over whether leaders are born or these skills can be acquired. Social scientist have attempted to identify the traits, behavior, sources of power or aspects of a situation that makes a leader standout and influence followers to accomplish group objectives. Effectiveness of a leader depends a lot on his following i.e. how the followers follow. What is leadership? Humankind has been pondering over this issue for about three thousand years and after over hundred years of academic research we have not yet reached the consensus. Many books have been written over this topic. By the end of 2009 the no of books written on leadership were 53,121. In a short span of time we will literally have more books on this topic than the people to read them. It tells not only the importance, relevance of this topic but also the complexity associated with it. There is no consensus on the definition of leadership as well simply because it is not required. Ho wever there seems to exist four areas of dispute around which theory of leadership revolves namely person, process, positional and result. Personal approach associate leadership with the person this approach is usually derived from autobiographies. Others define it as a process, the process through which information which is contradictory and undigested is made sense of. It is basically the style that leaders adopt. Positional approach is based on authority. It is the ability to exert pressure and get things done. Result approach is based on mobilizing a community or group of people to achieve a purpose. Thus leadership can be defined in various ways. It strengthens our argument about its complexity. 1(Keith Grint, 2010) What leadership is all about? Is it only about influencing others? How can we differentiate leadership from other means of authority such as power, dominance, and authority? Leaders inspire their followers and make them do things which otherwise they would not do be cause followers have trust and faith in their leaders. There are certain myths about leadership which needs clarification. An identification of essential elements and skills provide the basic framework required for success. A simple and unique not basic, explanation of leadership procedure Insight into the rationale of leading. Sound understanding of the organizational context in which one intends to lead Appreciation and ability to grasp opportunities and unique challenges innate in every situation. Clarity and transparency about ones leadership role, what one possesses priori to exercising leadership Savvy and successful leaders build their own agenda based on their skills and capabilities, reflecting self learning and knowledge and a healthy respect for challenges, opportunities and risks. 2(Joan V. Gallos, 2008) Leadership cannot be confined to political or social life only. It is as much needed in our business world as in any other walk of life. It is a widely accepted fact tha t leaders play a pivotal role in organization’s success. It is a critical factor in enabling organizations to adapt to its environment readily, surviving and thriving by successfully implementing organizational strategy. Based on vast research three themes about human behavior have been