Are We Born Leaders?
We have all heard the phrase “born leader” suggesting the personality you are born with predetermines your potential. Similarly, much has been written that birth order drives certain personality traits and associated behaviors. It is suggested that first born children are the birth order most often associated with leadership. They tend to be high achievers, perfectionists, responsible, goal-setters, rule keepers and detailed orientated. Second and middle children tend to be peacemakers, flexible, free spirits, generous yet competitive at the same time, while the youngest tend to be charmers, risk-takers, outgoing, creative, persistent, and constantly never without an idea.
Is Being a Leader Nature or Nurture?
The issue with each of these concepts, as well as many others that place people into categories, is they eliminate the capacity we all have, to learn, grow and change. They marginalize the power of choice we have every single hour of every single day.
Anyone who has raised a child from birth has seen how children come into the world with their own unique, “built into the recipe” way of being. I would argue that how that disposition evolves is a function of nurture more than nature and it is an evolution that should never end. The process of behavior refinement is something that can and should evolve, change and develop through life - provided one is committed to personal insight and owning their capacity to change.
Recognizing the tendencies nature, birth order or family dynamics may have offered you is just about knowing your default way of being. All of these characteristics can be strengths or derailers – it is a function of how you leverage them or adapt them in pursuit of being who you want to be. How do you want to show up to the people who matter?
As the youngest of seven, I will gladly claim many of the descriptors my birth order apparently stamped upon me. I like to believe I am a bit charming, outgoing and persistent. What I work hard at every day is listening more, appreciating others’ ideas can be better than my own, and being open to realizing not everyone thinks the same way - and that’s ok. It helps me discover my blind spots and areas to learn and grow.
What Makes a Strong Leader?
Strong leaders have integrity, gratitude, empathy, curiosity, and authenticity. They are great listeners, strong communicators, have an ability to set a vision, get things done – and most importantly - people follow them in pursuit of accomplishing something greater than themselves. Great leaders are self-aware. They are in constant pursuit of making themselves better tomorrow than they are today. They see their own evolution as an ongoing process of discovery. Leaders are not born. They are made.
What are you doing today to make yourself better tomorrow? A better person, friend, partner or leader? Together we can find the ways you can nurture your full potential - no matter the circumstances of your birth!
