Leadership

Essay by amoniqueperry November 2014

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Dahlia Collins

CJ430-82

Prof. Webber

October 5, 2014

Are Leaders Born or Made?

Leadership is process that effectively accomplishes organizational goals (Tosi, Rizzo, and Carroll, 1986). It is effectual when managing others, encouraging visions and new directions, or increasing knowledge to accomplish success in everyday life. Leaders may be defined as competent, organized, thorough, determined, and loyal people. They possess the qualities that are desired by upper level management. They're doers, and "doing" extends to all hours of the day. Leaders try hard at everything they do, "elbow grease is their stock and trade" (Oldham and Morris, 64). We are closet to the people who share our same facial and body features. Coincidentally, we surround ourselves with these people simply because they seem like family, and therefore attract us. The basic concept of genetics is simple: "for any characteristic that is genetically influenced, there's a range of values for that characteristic" (text 148).

Hereditary traits can only influence genes however acquired traits such as leadership has never influenced evolution so leadership is created and learned not earned throughout our genes.

Leadership involves a combination of personality traits and many specific skills and capabilities learned over time and gained through experience. An ability to effectively resolve complex situations is perhaps one of the most important traits of a leader. However, this doesn't mean that leaders are always the smartest person in the team or that they have the most technical knowledge. Successful leadership allows the specific skills and knowledge of the leader and each of their team members to be brought together in the best way to allow effective directions to be set and good decisions to be made.

A person's character, personality and attitude may assist them to assume a leadership role. While some people may feel more inclined...