Is Leadership a Learnable Skill?
The heat and friction in a leadership position can be staggering, especially when in the process of turning around an organizational culture. There are hard decisions to make that require sound judgement and the ability to be resilient.
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” ~Vince Lombardi
According to The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner leadership is not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be developed and refined over time through practice and dedication. But can everyone learn these skills and become an effective leader?
Leaders who can listen, observe, and read the situation are vital to an organization’s success. A good leader learns the ability to take constructive feedback and works on developing needed skills. Good leaders know that leadership is about sound principles, as well as continuous improvement, awareness, and development.
As situations get tougher, a leader’s skill for leadership will need to deeply improve. How to process the problem, how to plan and address it requires new skills a leader has never had to use in the past. Not every decision is going to be “liked” by everyone. Leaders must develop the skills to cope with the resulting tension when decisions are not “liked” and learn how to address it.
I have seen many people take on the leadership challenge. The ones who are successful seem to embrace the journey of self-awareness, continuous improvement, and the ability to apply continues feedback. They work at being a better person and developing new skills they didn’t need before they were a leader.
Yes, good leadership can be a learned skill, but it requires a deep commitment and the ability to do the things that don’t always come naturally. Training and personal growth become a good leader’s best friend because they will give you an advantage in your career. Great leaders are growing to get better – not just so they can get out of tight situations or get a promotion – but because they want to become better leaders.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” ~ John F. Kennedy
Learning to be a leader is a life’s work and one that should not end. And yet, I encourage you: Go cultivate your leadership skills. You and the world will be better for it.
Jeff
