It has been purported for years that leadership is somehow linked to one’s genetic disposition.

It was widely ascertained that certain innate gifts, manifesting early on, lean certain people towards the bent of leadership.

According the National Center for Biotechnology Information”It is important to note that the relationship between traits and leadership may be complex, at least more complex than assumed in previous studies”.

However, based on such exclusionary rationalism’s certain individuals were sought out and groomed for positions that would foster growth in these areas.

Others were scoffed at and rebuffed, and seen as inauthentic in their pursuits.

They simply did not have the right stuff.

This drove countless to believe that they were not leaders.

What were some of the core attributes?

It was believed that charm or charisma, a mind for strategy, an  authoritative manner, and extroverted traits, were all attributes that would lend one to be a promising and effective leader.

Others who did not fit the mold, though possessing initiative and ability to become even greater than their counterparts, deferred responsibility on many levels and refused positions of leadership at the bequest of others. The rationale  being , “I don’t have what it takes to be a leader.”

This line of thinking underscored the belief that position and authority belonged solely to the charismatic individual of outgoing personality.

Thus, those most charismatic individuals were given authority through position.

It was hoped that genuine leadership would follow

Position does not denote authority or leadership.

Although many found themselves in the position, they could not adequately inspire long-term sustainable action, or rather they inspired action in the wrong direction.

Charisma and charm were poor measures of leadership.

What is charisma

Charisma is a natural charm that not all are born with.

Those who have this unique gift seem to easily draw a following.

Thus, logically one could conclude that such is key to roles of leadership.

As, of course, a leader is not leading unless someone is following.

However, this assumption was dead wrong.

As it turned out leadership required a set of skills with greater depth than charm.

While charisma inspired follower-ship it does not indicate true leadership.

Leading is not merely about obtaining follower-ship, it is about the purposed guidance of people or causes from one stage of growth to another, facilitating forward movement.

Charm may get people to follow, but not necessarily inspire committed action.

Coincidentally, charm and charisma did not equate to intelligence.

Additionally, charm and charisma did not equate to long-term success in leadership.

The two were mutually independent factors and not synonymous.

Often when it was time to work, the flash and dash meant  nothing.

furthermore such theoretical views failed to offer explanation for  poor leaders, given the same common attributes.

If this set of traits were indicative of success in positions of leadership then, what would be the rational basis for failure given the same identifiable traits.

Not only were they fundamentally incorrect about charm but also about extraversion.

To think that the power of the quiet reasoning and rationalization of the introvert was so often discounted although it well-balanced the impetuousness and out outspokenness of the extrovert.

Turns out that introverts were as wildly successful as their counterparts if not more so.

There were more than a couple of introverts who were wildly successful.

Just a few influential people labeled introverts but outrageously effective in leadership

• Abraham Lincoln

• Bill Gates

• Eleanor Roosevelt

• Albert Einstein

• Mahatma Gandhi

• Warren Buffet

• Rosa Parks

Reasonably charm, extraversion, and authority were not pure measures of effective leaders.

Thus, it is well-reasoned, although people may be born with attributes often found in possession of those who assume leadership positions, there is no true correlation between possession of these traits by birth and success.

“We postulate that ascription allows a leader to emerge but it does not determine whether a particular leader becomes effective – instead, skills (and the traits determining them) explain leadership effectiveness. The relationship between traits and leadership emergence can suffer from false negatives…”(National Center for Biotechnology Information)

True, effective leaders are made.

Those who have a bent toward these attributes, such must be honed.

Possessing certain attributes does not make  you a leader any more than as some one once stated, “standing in a garage makes you a car.”

Those who do not possess skill sets necessary for leadership must develop and hone them as well.

There is no dividing line that cannot be crossed.

Anyone can become a leader they simple must have the will.

Attributes of effective leadership

Scholarship

Effective leaders prize  scholarship for themselves and others.

They make an  investment in  advancing their education, or learning potential and expect no less from others.

They are constantly expanding their knowledge not by force but by desire. They don’t do it because they have to but because they want to.

Strength

Effective leaders possess strength, not of brawn but of mind, heart, and of spirit.

Effective leaders have fortitude.

They continue in the face of adversity.

They represent a spirit of perseverance.

They are emotionally and mentally strong, and  they understand that  challenge and difficulty  comes along with leadership.

Some days they will have to stand alone but still they must stand strong.

Awareness

They are well-informed of what is going on.

They are attuned to their environment.

They keep their ear to the ground.

They keep their fingers on the pulse.

Courage

Effective leaders are courageous.

They are not afraid to be taught.

They are not afraid of not knowing.

They are not afraid to take a calculated risk.

It is not that do not fear, but rather they have become conquerors because they understand that conquering fear is not an option it is a necessity. They are bold and yet meek.

Mentors

Good leaders champion mentor-ship

Effective leaders are mentors.

Servant hearts

Outstanding leaders possess a spirit of servitude

Leadership is solely about progression of a whole towards an envisioned state, not of the one.

They  serve more than their own needs.

No one needs to be led in circles.

Presence

Authentic leaders are present.

They actively listen.

They give of their time.

They are available.

Leadership is not easy.

Leadership is necessary.

It is the natural progression of things that one grow from follower to leader.

Most people at some point in their lives will be leaders although never assuming a formal position of authority.

At some point someone will defer to your knowledge, wisdom, or guidance for their growth and development.

It is not always something asked for.

Those who have grown into maturity understand that this is the way of life and accept the mantle.

While others, refuse it and as a result led many down wayward paths of regression.

It is necessary that all work to develop these attributes.

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2013). Born to Lead? A Twin Design and Genetic Association Study of         Leadership Role Occupancy. Web. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583370/