by Joseph Wardy

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 03, 2011

Leadership is learned. Let us explore some leadership qualities that can be learned:

1) An effective stand up business communicator - Today, senior level leaders cannot inspire and lead if they cannot deliver an effective business presentation. What good is having a vision for the next twenty years if one cannot verbally communicate it? The fact that there are so few organizations who offer training with presentation skills is evidence of their shortsighted approach. Leaders cannot be taught to be motivational, dynamic, and inspiring but can be taught to deliver with strong planning, development and delivery skills

2) Listening Skills - It is estimated that Chief Executive Officers spend 80 percent of their time listening to their staff. In today's global environment, it is virtually impossible to have expertise in all components of a business. Where is listening taught? Not in business schools as they foolishly feel listening is a soft skill considered less important than finance etc. Ironically, the soft skills are the hardest to master because they are not cultivated.

3) Teach Marketing Strategies - It is not a coincidence in the United States that there are more CEO's with a marketing background than any other field that includes finance, technology, accounting, engineering. This makes sense if we look at each discipline. In marketing, we are taught the all encompassing techniques needed to generate revenue and to keep a customer base. In all other fields, the background is very deep but specialized and narrow. I wonder how many superstars there are with a background other than a marketing that would make a great leader.

Leadership is also a natural attribute. Let's explore this reasoning:

1) As leaders what is critically important is attitude. Every study of leaders indicate that attitude is critically vital. Attitude cannot be taught in a classroom or developed by a mentor. It is a state mind of people that looks not so much as optimistic but realistic within the competitive environment.

2) Also listed by leaders is the practice of integrity. We can't lead people effectively if our actions don't meet our words. Please be reminded that honesty and integrity are not the same. Honest people say what they mean. People of integrity do what they say. Consider the following quote: "What I see speaks so loud I can't hear what you say".

Also, there is a trait that, to me, is a combination of being learned and a natural attribute. This is called judgment. Good judgment cannot be taught formally but can be developed by experience which is frequently negative. We make a mistake and move forward by avoiding this mistake again. Judgment is also a natural attribute as some people have it through instinct and insight.

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