Four-Questions About Leadership

We hear four frequently asked questions about leadership. In this article, we will briefly answer each of these important questions.

We often hear four questions asked about leadership. This article provides brief answers to each of these important questions.

Why is leadership important?

Every parent wants their child to develop leadership qualities. Parents know that a leader is someone who performs his or her job effectively, is respected by those around him or her, and is rewarded in many ways for his or her abilities. It is during these formative years that we first learn through our parents that leadership is desirable and important.

When we are young, we look up to people who motivate us, who listen to us, who are like "real life" heroes. We then come to think of such people as leaders.

As we grow up, we come to associate leaders with their jobs: pastors, teachers, police officers, etc. Then we become mayors, presidents, and CEOs.

As adults, these ideas and experiences clarify why we think leaders have the desired characteristics and fulfill the roles we aspire to (and why we want our children to do so as well).

All of these experiences and ideas help define why leadership is important - because leaders can make a difference and shape the future. Because leaders are valued and valuable. In everyone's mind, leadership matters, especially when it is good.

What is a leader?

 Are people born leaders?

Certainly, they are. In other words, everyone is born.

You might say that riddle-like answer misses the point. I guess the real answer is that some people really are born to be leaders.

And I would respond that your words imply that others are not born to be leaders. 

Now let's examine the difference in opinion.

When one describes someone as a "born leader," it generally implies that he or she is motivational, a good communicator, and charismatic. Certainly, some people are born with these abilities. 

But leaders can be born with a variety of traits and still be great.

And there is no single, small set of skills that defines the perfect leader or guarantees success.

Everyone is born with unique abilities. And all of us can develop skills and styles that complement those natural abilities.

Who is a leader?

On the surface, this question is the easiest one I have ever asked. After all, I have already given several examples.

People who have studied for a role, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and pastors; people who have been elected to that role, such as county councilors, mayors, senators, and presidents; and people who have worked in an organization, such as supervisors, managers, vice presidents, and CEOs, are leaders.

If you ask the question, "Who is a leader?" most people will respond in this way.

Of course, that is correct. But it is only partially correct.

A leader is not a leader because of his or her title. 

A leader is a leader because he leads.

So, back to the previous question, "Are people born leaders? Yes, they are. But not just some chosen by the Creator or by heredity.

We are all chosen. Our genes choose us.

We are all born leaders in our own way. We may not be the chairman. We may not be the person on the stage. 

We may not lead by eloquence or splendor.

We may lead by compassion. 

We can lead by example.

We can all lead by leading.

We all have the capacity to be good leaders. 

Leadership is not about position.

Leadership is not about power.

Leadership is about potential - your potential.

The opportunities for leadership are endless. The rewards are endless.

My answers to the four questions lead me to a question for you...

Where are you headed?