There are different schools of thought on leadership. There is what is considered the 'old style' of leader who with single handed determination will change the direction of a business by shear force of will.

At the other end of the scale is the 'inspirational leader' who will inspire others to strive and accomplish great things.

Many will argue that leadership in whatever form it takes cannot be taught. That leaders are born. In short; are good leaders born or created?

I feel this is an academic argument probably coming out of some business school where the students are studying business management.

Surely there are people in the work place who never aspire to lead and sensibly so because they don't have the confidence, intellectual or strategic ability.

There are a great many people all around the world making worthwhile contributions in their employment with out the need to be seen as a leader.

Equally there is a great need for leadership if these same people are going to be able to make their contribution. This is where the argument rests; leadership determines that the person or persons responsible for any organisation or enterprise must have strategic vision to decide where it is headed. An ability to plan and decide how to get there. Will power to see the mission through to completion while harnessing the talents of all of the people to achieve the objectives.

Only by bringing these attributes into play will any leader be effective. So how do we grow or develop our future leaders?

The truth surely is that to perform in the manner described leadership will come from those who want to lead, who have the intellectual ability and drive to lead their teams effectively.

No one is born with all of these and other skills. Leadership is a combination of natural ability (what we are born with in varying amounts), desire, education, training and experience.

Leaders are therefore neither born nor taught. They develop through their own ongoing efforts with the support of others, building on the fundaments of; ability, training, experience and self-belief.

In my view self-belief is the essential ingredient of leadership.

Think! Winston Churchill.

Knowing is no substitute for thinking

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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