Are Leaders Born or Trained?

Is leadership something you are born with or something you learn along the way? According to an Tamim Ansary, people are not born leaders - they must learn to lead.

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/elearning/Default.aspx?article=CanLeadershipBeLearned

There is also something to be said for genetics - some people avoid conflict and are less likely to step into a leadership role. You can't be a leader if you roll over at the first suggestion of disagreement. Leaders have to stick their necks out, and be willing to get their heads chopped off on occasion.

In any case, it's good to hear that U.S. companies see leadership as something worth investing in. First line managers are the most likely to receive leadership (management) training, followed by entry-level employees and mid-level executives.

It makes sense for new managers to receive the first benefit of these (ever-important) training dollars, as they were most likely promoted for their ability to do the job, but have yet to learn how to manage people doing the job.

Now it's your turn - I'd like to find out what YOU think makes a leader.

Click here to complete a quick poll! I promise to share the results!