A good resource for learning more about leadership: Leader to Leader Institute http://www.leadertoleader.org. Also, “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald Phillips provides a valuable guide.

Very interesting comments from everyone. It makes sense to agree with Gill that only a leader can develop other leaders. That was my first thought. Then, I wondered — what about a soul who doesn’t have personal exposure to other leaders — but pursues learning on his/her own? As Joe said, leaders aren’t born, they are made. But I’d like to toss out a question — wouldn’t it be possible for a person to truly be “born” a leader? If the soul lives beyond this time, couldn’t a child be a “natural-born” leader?

In studying some quotes about leaders, I came across this one by Harold Geneen, “Leadership can not really be taught. It can only be learned.” So — although I believe we all benefit and accelerate our leadership skills by learning from leaders, I also believe that it’s possible for a wise soul to blossom into a leader through self-study… How did someone like Abraham Lincoln develop his leadership skills? Wasn’t it primarily on his own?

Anyone can be a leader!
“Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” – Vince Lombardi

In business, a person can be placed in a leadership position, but if that person is lacking in any of the skills, his/ her effectiveness will be limited, I am speaking from first-hand experience. It will be just a matter of time before that leader looses followers, thus is no longer a leader.

In life, many of the same rules apply as they do with a business leader but they are very different animals. There is far more (or at least a different kind of) love shared with the followers in life. For example, a parent is a leader to his/ her children, driven by love.

I guess I look at the word LEAD as an acronym; L.E.A.D.

L – Is for “Listen”, and it is the first letter for a reason. By far; listening is the most important skill that people in leadership positions need to possess. But listening is much more than hearing what is said. Unfortunately, listening is the most underutilized and misunderstood skill in a leader’s toolbox. As the saying goes; “God gave you two ears for a reason”. Think about it.

E – Is for “Explain”. Try this little exercise: Read this statement out loud: “I didn’t say you were stupid.” Now, repeat it with placing the emphasis on a different word, see how it changes the meaning? Go ahead, play around…it can be pretty funny. Explaining anything can be very difficult to do effectively if you haven’t sharpened your listening skills.

A – Is for “Adjust”. A leader must be able to identify when a course correction is going to be needed. Very seldom is any plan going to follow the predetermined map of execution. A leader needs to see this and adjust the course accordingly, or be prepared for severe carnage. Listening to your followers and explaining clearly what the desired outcome is will make any needed adjusting much easier to implement.
“I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.” – Everett Dirksen

D – Is for “Doing”. A leader must be a person of action!
“Good leaders must first become good servants.”– Robert Greenleaf.
Doing so shows commitment, courage, and believability. Note, I did not say succeeding as Bob stated in the blog! Just look at the great examples he gave us; coaches, teachers and salespeople.
“You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Yes, anyone can be a leader! But to be a good one, first learn to follow then learn to L.E.A.D.!