03 Jul Are Leaders Born or Made?

I believe that much of what makes great entrepreneurs and business leaders is ingrained in their personality, whereas some can be learned. I have found in representing hundreds as attorney and advisor that one key trait of successful business owners is being a natural leader and decision maker. Do you fit the bill? Here are six things to look for:

1. Like being in charge. I used to think, “Who doesn’t like being in charge?” until I discovered that many do not appreciate the pressure and potential rejection in running things. True leaders would rather be the one making decisions.

2. Enjoy challenge of motivating people. You love watching your people rise to a task in part thanks to your encouragement and offering them a sense of ownership in a project. You are thrilled when someone surprises you as you patiently awaited their moment.

3. Serve as key cheerleader. You realize that your people take their cue from you and you like that (most of the time). You show up every day enthused and supportive, regardless of your actual mood.

4. Manage by incentive and communication not fear. Great leaders don’t yell and scream, firing then rehiring people. Fear may yield compliance but resistance simultaneously. But good management is not about sharing power; it’s about good communication, even if you don’t always take the advice you receive. You listen to your people and reward the good.

5. Make decisions efficiently. You don’t rush into a decision but don’t dwell on the process either. Business moves at light speed and you know things have to happen quickly. After a decision is made, you monitor its implementation so that if problems arise you can learn from them.

6. Have a strong sense of organization. You think ahead, plan and organize. Your business has a clear structure in which each person fully understands his or her role and responsibilities. And you have a clear and regularly revisited short and long term strategic plan.

Can this stuff be learned or is it all about the wiring you showed up with? What do you think?