Are Leaders Born or Made?
Some individuals think that great leaders are just born—they inherently possess charisma, confidence, and vision to rally people. But there’s another perspective: leadership isn’t innate. Leadership is a skill, such as playing a musical instrument or mastering a language. Through practice, tolerance, and proper training, anybody can acquire the traits of an excellent leader.
If you’re one who would love to step into a leadership position—be it that of a manager, a CEO-in-the-making, or simply someone who wants to inspire and lead others—you’ve come to the right place. We provide courses to assist you in developing those skills and becoming the leader you aspire to be.
What Makes a Truly Great Leader
Consider leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Sir Alex Ferguson, or Angela Merkel. They were all from totally different worlds—civil rights, football, politics—but they had one thing in common: the power of leadership. What made them so different? Were they born leaders, or did they learn and develop their leadership throughout their lives?
The reality is, leadership isn’t single-dimensional. You may be born with confidence or the ability to communicate, but leadership is also about learning—learning about people, making difficult choices, and adjusting to change. You may believe in leaders being born or created, but one thing is certain: exceptional leadership is a combination of instinct, experience, and ongoing development.
Why Leadership Matters at Every Level
Leadership isn’t just for CEOs or high-level executives. Whether you’re a team leader, a manager, or even just someone who wants to make a bigger impact at work, leadership skills matter. A strong leader creates a positive work environment, helps teams collaborate better, and drives success.
We all know the fundamentals—great leaders command respect, remain adaptable, and remain composed when the pressure is on. But what more do they require? As Forbes reports, some of the most critical leadership abilities for the future are:
- Clear communication – Having the ability to communicate ideas in a fashion that inspires and energizes.
- Emotional intelligence – Knowing your own emotions and the emotions of your team.
- Cultural intelligence – Getting along with people from other backgrounds.
- Soft skills – Adapting, listening, and establishing trust.
- Leading through change – Assisting teams through uncertainty and maintaining focus.
Boss Basics: The Foundation of Leadership
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” — Mahatma Gandhi
There are many theories regarding what a great leader is. Some emphasize personality, others behaviors, and others on leaders’ management of situations. But in real life, leadership is about a few important things:
- Knowing your team – A good leader understands what they need, takes care of their well-being, and develops them.
- Strong decision-making – Leaders have to make tough calls while keeping their team’s trust.
- Continuous learning – The best leaders never stop improving their skills.
If you want to sharpen your leadership abilities, our courses can help—whether it’s learning to speak with confidence, manage emotions, or make smarter decisions.
Emotional & Cultural Intelligence: Leading with Empathy
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” — Henry Ford
An excellent leader does not merely issue commands—they mobilize. That is where emotional intelligence takes place. It is all about seeing emotions—yours and those of others—and acting upon them. Leaders are better workplaces when they are emotionally intelligent because they make employees feel listened to, respected, and encouraged.
And since workplaces today are more diverse than ever, cultural intelligence is equally critical. It’s about learning about different backgrounds, communicating more effectively across cultures, and creating more cohesive, inclusive teams.
Professionalism & Accountability: Leading by Example
“Leaders inspire accountability through their ability to accept responsibility before they place blame.” — Courtney Lynch
Respect isn’t given to you—it’s earned. And the most effective way to earn it? By leading by example, especially when things don’t go as planned. Great leaders don’t blame others—they take responsibility, remain flexible, and figure out solutions. That’s how they build trust and get their teams moving even during hard times.
Leading Through Change: The Future of Leadership
“The most serious risk in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” — Peter Drucker
Change is inevitable—whether small changes in the way work is done or large-scale company transformations. Great leaders don’t merely respond to change; they lead their teams through it. That requires remaining positive, keeping everyone in the know, and assisting others in seeing the greater picture. When leaders manage change effectively, their teams are more assured and prepared to adjust.
Ready to Become a Better Leader?
If you want to take your leadership to the next level, we have courses that match your schedule and objectives. From communication to strategic thinking, Pearson Professional Programs has all the courses that can help you develop as a leader.
