Are leaders developed or naturally born with it? This is the million dollar question. I have met leaders, observed leaders, and been in leadership roles myself. I realized leadership is different for each individual, but there are common traits the leaders posses. So whether there is one leader who was born to rule or another who spent hours and years perfecting leadership, leaders tend to have similar characteristics.
I wrote down a list of historical leaders, a leader I personally know, and myself. Along with these names, I wrote down their three main leadership traits.
Historical Leaders
George Washington
Integrity
Charisma
Sociability
Mother Teresa
Charisma
Sociability
Determination
Bill Gates
Determination
Intelligence
Confidence
Oprah Winfrey
Determination
Sociability
Charisma
Personal Leaders
Professor H
Brief Description: Professor H’s role is to teach courses in Public Speaking. He teaches students how to become better at speaking publicly. He assigns his students speeches to become experienced with presenting in front of an audience. Professor H majored in communication and knows what he is doing. He has an ability to connect with the students, and he has a special personality that makes him influential when he teaches.
- Sociability
- Charisma
- Intelligence
Myself
Brief Description: I tell the team how to operate and work together to win. I know the game of basketball and it shows to others as well. I understand how to control the team and keep everyone working as a team, rather than individuals. I always try to improve the team and works hard at coming up with new methods to win.
- Determination
- Confidence
- Intelligence
Although all the leadership traits are important, I noticed that the trait of determination weighs heavily. These leaders would not become leaders if they were not determined to become one. They have the will power to become successful and guide others. To become the best possible leader you can be, determination is the first step. If you have the determination to highlight your strengths, continue learning, improve your weak points, and bring out the best in your subordinates…you will achieve a leadership position.
Leadership is not about finding out if you’re naturally born to rule or if you can work to make yourself better. It’s about believing in yourself and those you lead. It’s about having the determination to become a leader…and to become the best possible leader you can be!
Other than determination, what’s the most important leadership trait to you?
