Are leaders born––or made?

29 Jun 2015 · 2 min

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1:47

In this short monologue, the speaker examines the age‑old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He contrasts "natural‑born" leaders, using John F. Kennedy as an example of someone who was given opportunities and chose to develop his leadership abilities, with "emergent" or reluctant leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., who did not initially seek the mantle of leadership but stepped into it when circumstances demanded. The speaker argues that true leadership is not tied to rank, titles, or formal authority; it is demonstrated when a person recognizes a need, takes action, inspires others, and embraces the responsibility that follows. The talk concludes with a call to view leadership as a responsibility that anyone must be ready to assume.

Chapters

Are leaders made or are they born? People have been arguing about this forever. Some leaders do seem to be more naturally born into the role, but I'd argue these people don't lick it from a rock. John F. Kennedy is a person who's often cited as an example of a natural-born leader. He was given every opportunity to develop his leadership skills, and to his credit, he took full advantage of those opportunities. Other leaders seem to emerge out of necessity, out of extraordinary circumstances and conditions. Gandhi and Martin Luther King both professed to be reluctant leaders. Neither man sought the mantle of leadership or the circus that goes along with it. Both of these men talked about facing moments of truth. They had to question whether they were going to stand up and become leaders or whether they were going to walk away and lead ordinary lives. Neither man realized early on exactly what he might be getting into. Both accepted leadership roles and responsibilities that would ultimately shape their lives and inspire and influence millions of followers. Leadership is not about rank, titles, or positions of authority. You're a leader when you see what needs to be done and you do it. When you inspire the people around you. When you share yourself with others. Leadership is not only a possibility, it's a responsibility. Be ready for it.