“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” This quote, from Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, encapsulates the ongoing debate about the nature of leadership: are leaders born with innate traits and abilities, or can they be developed through experience and training?

This question has been the subject of much research and discussion in the fields of psychology, sociology, and management, and it remains a topic of great interest to scholars, business leaders, and policymakers alike.

The purpose of this blog post is to explore the scientific evidence surrounding the “born vs. made” debate, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on leadership.

We will examine the arguments and evidence put forward by both sides of the debate and look at how recent findings from the fields of neuroscience and psychology are shedding new light on the nature of leadership and the processes by which it develops.

We will also consider the implications of this research for those involved in leadership development and selection, and explore what it means for anyone looking to become a great leader.

By the end of this post, we hope to provide a nuanced understanding of the topic and help readers to form their own conclusions about whether leaders are truly born or made.

The “Born” Perspective

The argument that leaders are born with innate traits and abilities is rooted in the belief that certain characteristics, such as charisma, confidence, and intelligence, are essential for effective leadership. Proponents of this perspective argue that these traits are inherent in an individual and cannot be developed or learned through experience or training.

Blame it on Genetics

One of the key pieces of evidence supporting the “born” perspective is research on genetics and personality. Studies have shown that certain genetic variations are associated with traits such as extraversion and conscientiousness, which have been linked to leadership potential.

Personality Traits

Additionally, research has found that people with certain personality traits, such as high levels of emotional intelligence and self-confidence, are more likely to be successful leaders.

Another line of evidence in support of the “born” perspective is the observation that some individuals seem to possess a natural ability to lead, even from a young age.

For example, it is often noted that young children who display assertiveness and the ability to take charge in group settings are more likely to become leaders in later life.

However, it’s important to note that many experts also argue that innate traits are not the only factor that determines a leader and there are other elements like leadership development, training, and experiences that play a crucial role in shaping a leader.

The “Made” Perspective

The argument that leaders are made through experience and training is based on the belief that leadership is a learned behavior and that with the right training and opportunities, anyone can become a leader. Proponents of this perspective argue that leadership skills and abilities can be developed and honed over time, and that individuals can learn how to lead through a combination of education, practice, and experience.

Leadership Programs Work

One of the key pieces of evidence supporting the “made” perspective is research on leadership development programs. Studies have shown that participation in these programs can lead to significant improvements in leadership skills and abilities, and that the effects of such programs can be long-lasting. Additionally, research has found that leadership development programs are effective for individuals at all levels of an organization, from entry-level employees to senior executives.

Life Experience

Another line of evidence in support of the “made” perspective is the observation that life experiences can have a significant impact on an individual’s leadership abilities. For example, research has shown that individuals who have served in the military, or who have worked in a variety of different organizations, are more likely to develop strong leadership skills.

However, it’s also important to note that while some argue that leadership can be developed, others argue that innate characteristics such as personality, emotional intelligence, and cognitive abilities still play avital role in determining a leader. The two perspectives don’t have to be mutually exclusive and both can contribute to the development of a leader.

The Science of Leadership

Recent research from the fields of neuroscience and psychology has begun to shed new light on the nature of leadership and the processes by which it develops. This research has revealed a complex interplay of factors that contribute to effective leadership, including both innate traits and learned behaviors.

One of the key findings from this research is that leadership is a multifaceted and dynamic construct, involving both cognitive and emotional processes. Studies have shown that effective leaders possess a unique combination of cognitive abilities, such as high intelligence and the ability to think strategically, as well as emotional intelligence and social skills.

Additionally, research has also revealed that leadership is closely linked to the functioning of specific brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, which are responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and the ability to read social cues. Studies have also found that effective leaders tend to have a more active connection between the areas of the brain responsible for emotion and cognition.

Moreover, research has also shown that the brain processes that underlie leadership can be shaped and developed through training, experience, and mentorship. This supports the idea that leadership can be learned and developed, and that the brain is adaptable and can change in response to new experiences.

Overall, the science of leadership suggests that both innate traits and learned behaviors play a role in effective leadership. It also suggests that leadership is not a fixed trait, but rather a dynamic process that can be shaped and developed over time.

Are Leaders Born or Made?

The debate about whether leaders are born or made is a complex and multi-faceted one, and the evidence presented on both sides is compelling. It is clear that both innate traits and learned behaviors play a role in effective leadership, and that the brain is adaptable and can change in response to new experiences.

What’s My Take?

From a personal perspective, I believe that leadership is not a fixed trait, but rather a dynamic process that can be shaped and developed over time. While some people may be born with certain innate traits that make them more likely to become leaders, I believe that with the right training and opportunities, anyone can become a leader.

It is also important to note that effective leadership requires a combination of cognitive and emotional abilities, and that a leader’s brain processes can be shaped and developed through training, experience, and mentorship. Therefore, it is not just about being born with certain traits, but also about developing the right skills and mindset.

Whether leaders are born or made is a topic of ongoing debate, but the science of leadership suggests that both innate traits and learned behaviors play a role in effective leadership. And with the right development, anyone can become a leader.

‍