I’ve heard it said that “leaders are born, not made,” I can’t say I fully disagree with this perspective, but I must say that this premise is dependent on the definition of “born.” If by this term we mean that a baby is already in full effect a leader at birth, then that’s a tad farfetched. The next layer to that would need analysis as to the definition of a leader. In all fairness, I start this conversation to emphasize one often overlooked reality - leadership is best learnt in the following. I have 3 reasons that I hope will help illuminate my rationale and challenge some preconceived thoughts.
1. You can’t understand the complexity of leadership until you have followed
The art of leadership is not found in being seen to have the characteristics. It’s in the application and adaptation of the practice that screams leader. Proactivity, willingness to listen, determination to understand, drive to serve others without expecting anything in return, learning introspectively, and living externally. These are a few attributes, in my opinion, that serve as building blocks to leadership. Interestingly enough, I could say the same thing about follower-ship. If we step back and think about it, our proactivity as a result of listening, understanding, and learning from our leaders helps us get acknowledged as becoming a good leader. The complexity in this process is understanding when to apply these attributes as a leader and a follower. No matter the case, those that lead and lead well follow and follow well.
2. It is through following that you learn how to inspire
In my few years of life, I’ve found myself inspired by certain characteristics of a myriad of people. The Obama’s poise in the midst of criticism, T.D. Jakes’s presentation of The Gospel, Denzel Washington’s depth of thought and introspection, Steph Curry’s confidence in his craft, my wife being a wife and mother, and many more. The experience of following each one’s story as it unfolds fuels a fire within to do the same in my circles of influence. While being born was a God-given gift, living and learning to follow in the footsteps of those that inspire shapes how and how not to lead. Bringing this reality into the workplace, it’s safe to say that the leaders that inspire you today are likely to have been inspired by others. How? By following the characteristics that resonate with them and now resonate with you.
3. Leadership is based on following and following the vision of another leader
The journey to becoming a leader results from having followed and not birth. In my opinion, it takes a collision of a few things for leadership to take shape in us (1) a Situation, (2) a Conviction, and (3) a Decision. A Situation sets up the opportunity to trigger a Conviction that leads a person to decide how they are going to apply themselves. A Situation can be a gap, a problem, a need, and is ultimately the place a vision is incubated. Depending on The Situation, you and I have the responsibility to follow the leader and lead ourselves. As a newborn baby, this isn't easy to compute, but as children follow, they become. Leaders aren’t born. They become.
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