7 of 52

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

are to be leaders. Individuals who perform both functions well have no doubt worked very hard to develop the areas in which they are least strong.

If you view leadership as a process rather than as rare traits possessed by a super leader, and further, if you view leadership as the province of everyone, not just those few who are born with it, then leadership becomes bound to its particular context, the situation and people involved. No particular set of talents is necessarily required, nor do you need to have achieved a certain position to exercise leadership. The age-old question: Can leadership be learned? is answered affirmatively if leadership is understood to be a process as opposed to a person. The process of leading can be learned, and effective leadership can be developed.

Leadership has been described as a process of sense-making, an ability to understand daily operations and the context of the internal and external environment. Leaders see opportunity where others miss the vision, and they are able to assemble the pieces of day-to-day functions within the greater frame of the future. It is in making sense of things that leaders find purpose and a vision for moving forward. If you can develop the art of sense-making, then you will have mastered one of the most important cognitive aspects of leadership.

Learn more about this author, Patricia Hanrahan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Being a manager vs. being a leader?
We want to hear your view. Write now!