Are you a "Born Leader" ?

I can’t help but wonder when I work with people: “Is it in You?” Like the Gatorade® commercials... At the same time – I wonder: “Is it in me?”. After hearing and reading different takes on "Natural vs. Learned" Leadership, I am still curious and want to learn more.

One thing is certain: those who have been in military service, or have played in some type of sport that requires team efforts have a better understanding of what leadership is. Not the textbook definition or the attributes as listed in books and data discovered by historians. They usually experience first-hand and by example what it is to have an objective or a vision and driving towards making it real. Whether it’s winning a championship of some sort, or taking over enemy territory – there was a goal, a strategy (story) and the drive to bring it to fruition. The strategy/story could have been presented by the coach, team captain, Sergeant, General etc… In any case, the Leader in the situation: was he born to do this or did he/she learn it?

Some of the books that I have read recently use military examples as to why Leadership is a learned behavior. Through proper training, and given the right situation, many have risen to the occasion that would otherwise not be thought of as leaders. The reason why I prefer this viewpoint is that NO ONE is denied the possibility and that all of us can be encouraged to lead. I believe it is a mistake to think you are not a “natural leader” or that you were not born to lead. This mind-set will keep you were you are – embrace your status quo and never try to improve or take charge in your life.

The one thing that I will admit is that I have come across a few individuals in my career that you can tell were “natural born leaders”. Not just charisma and extroverted nature – but you can tell that their character speaks to having genuine care and willingness to connect. They actually listen, ask relevant questions to challenge you, explain what the goals are and why. I have yet to come across a leader with the willingness to coach or mentor. I understand it is difficult to take the time to mentor since everyone is so busy with their jobs and are caught in the rush of day-to-day activities.

My Dad LOVED reading books on General George S. Patton. Anyone who has seen the movie or read about him, knows that Patton was definitely born to do what he did. He loved it so much, he believed that he had fought in battles in a previous life. A perfect case of a natural born leader. However, there are plenty of other cases where leaders where made from their own efforts. This entry found at this site: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KAA/is_1_29/ai_78360222/ actually mentions Patton, and the contrast of those “un-natural”, yet great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. It is an interesting entry because it addresses the “Learned vs. Genetic” leadership topic.
If you find other links on this, or have come across good books on this topic – please post them here!