Successful people often get described as ‘natural born leaders’. But does such a thing actually exist? Are some people really destined to be leaders from birth? And if you’re not born with the necessary talents and traits, can you still become a great leader?
The answer, as with many things in life, is yes and no.
Certainly, studies in behavioural genetics have found that around 30% of leadership traits are inherited. Things such as confidence and extraversion can be partially attributed to genetic factors, and intelligence has a significant genetic component. But that’s only part of the story. Although there may be a genetic basis for large parts of our personalities, they are still heavily influenced by environmental factors. And the vast majority (70%) of leadership skills are learned over time through experience and training.
This means that while those who naturally possess qualities such as decisiveness and charisma may find it easier to become effective leaders, they still have to hone their skills. And if you’re not born with the necessary traits, it’s absolutely possible to learn them.
What are the core leadership skills?
Although some skills may be innate, this isn’t the case for all of them. As we’ve discussed before, being a strong leader is about more than simply being loud and outgoing, or the most commanding voice in the room. It’s about adaptability, making intentional decisions, setting an example and empowering your team. It’s a mix of applied skills and emotional intelligence, of theoretical understanding and practical experience.
So, what skills do good leaders really need – and if they’re not born with them, how do they develop them?
- Communication
Communication skills are the foundation of effective leadership, and if they don’t come naturally, it can be hard to express your views clearly. Practice conveying messages clearly and succinctly and tailor your style to your audience and the situation. Remember that communication isn’t just about speaking: develop your active listening and non-verbal communication skills too.
- Decision-making
Making decisions is an integral part of being a leader, but what sets the good apart from the great is the ability to face difficult decisions head-on and come to timely, well-considered conclusions based on the information available at that time. Confident decision-making becomes easier when there’s a process and clear criteria in place, but it can also be helpful to practice in less-critical scenarios, so you gradually become more comfortable in more complex situations.
- Clarity of thought
Leaders with clarity of thought can simplify complexity and focus on priorities, and thus avoid being overwhelmed by noise. As a result, their teams remain focused too. Regularly setting aside time for reflection or mindfulness can help organise your thoughts and evaluate priorities.
- Take a helicopter view
Leaders who take a helicopter view can assess both the macro and micro aspects of their organisation, balancing attention to detail with a broader perspective, for example, aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategy. To develop a helicopter view, practice stepping back to consider the wider implications of particular issues or decisions.
- Looking ahead
By looking ahead, leaders can be more proactive, anticipating future challenges and opportunities and positioning their businesses for success. As with developing adaptability, being aware of trends and engaging in scenario planning can help to prepare for different situations.
- Adaptability
Being able to embrace change, adjust to new circumstances and guide teams through uncertainty is a critical leadership skill. Much like decision-making, this can be practiced in smaller situations or through scenario planning, so you’re better prepared for potential disruption. Staying aware of industry trends and developments can also help you to anticipate changes.
- Delegation and empowerment
These are similar, yet different. Delegation is important to build trust and enhance skills, but it needs to be combined with empowerment so teams take ownership of their work. Learn each team member’s strengths and interests, and you can assign tasks that align with these. This makes employees more engaged and likely to succeed.
- Focus
Focused leaders can prioritise more effectively, avoid distractions and stay aligned with their personal goals and those of the business. Identify your distractions and implement strategies to minimise them. On a practical level, time management and blocking tools can help to set aside time for high-priority tasks.
- Emotional intelligence
With high emotional intelligence comes self-awareness, empathy and the ability to both regulate your own emotions and respond to others’ emotions constructively. Leaders can develop self-awareness by reflecting on their emotional triggers and cultivate empathy by showing support and compassion.
- Interpersonal skills
Like communication skills, strong interpersonal skills are essential to leading a team effectively by developing relationships, encouraging collaboration and building trust. Show an interest in your team and their ideas, and use inclusive language and body language so everyone feels valued.
Which is best – practical experience or formal leadership training?
Much of developing the required leadership skills comes through practice: pushing out of your comfort zone, making mistakes and learning from them.
Indeed, some argue that this kind of hands-on experience is the best way of building leadership abilities – which goes some way to explaining why we find so many leaders lack formal training.
Often, they’ve risen through the ranks quickly or inherited leadership positions in family businesses, advancing organically until, suddenly, they find themselves at the top, faced with the challenge of sinking or swimming. And while many do indeed swim and thrive, others struggle to stay afloat – in danger of taking the business down with them.
So, while on-the-job learning can be valuable, without some structural support and/ or formal training, leaders may lack crucial skills, reinforce bad habits and rely on instinct – which can lead to costly mistakes.
This is where structured leadership development is beneficial. Instead of learning through trial and error, leaders gain insights from experienced mentors and industry experts, people who’ve been there and have real-world experience.
Of course, the ideal is to combine this real-world experience with the theory that comes from formal education, providing both practical resilience and strategic knowledge.
How to refine your leadership skills
Even with formal training, being a good leader is an ongoing process of learning and development. There are different ways of developing the necessary skills and each brings different benefits and will suit different learning styles and career paths.
- Leadership courses and certifications provide a solid foundation in leadership principles, covering topics such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management. They can often be taken online or in person, and although they provide knowledge and guidance that can be applied immediately in real-world situations, some may find them too theoretical.
- Mentorship and coaching is a way of accessing personalised insights and practical advice. Mentorship provides the opportunity to gain wisdom from those who have navigated similar challenges, while coaching helps leaders identify blind spots and refine their approach. Make sure you find someone who understands your industry and leadership goals.
- Self-directed learning is the most flexible option and learning through books, podcasts, online articles, and case studies can be an excellent way to develop leadership skills. Leaders can focus on areas most relevant to them at their own pace – but without external accountability, it can be difficult to maintain consistency and translate insights into action.
- Peer-to-peer experiential learning offers leaders the chance to discuss real struggles and successes with their peers, allowing them to gain fresh perspectives, challenge their own assumptions and discover solutions they may not have otherwise considered. It’s most effective when participants are active and willing to share experiences and learn from others and encourages collaboration and adaptability.
Ultimately, the best leaders embrace continuous learning, combining formal education, mentorship, and self-driven development to get the best out of themselves and in their businesses.
