Born Leaders?

Born Leaders?

Ever since I was a child I have been known as a leader. I always had a little tribe following me around trying to do what I did and talk like I talked. This leadership continued through all of my school years as I was Captain of my sports teams and President of the Student Body This went on as I took over a University Bible Study and then ran several ministries. As a result of these things, I have always been known as a “born leader”. No one ever told me how to lead but I was always the leader who helped others grow in their lives. I have always provided direction for people. So I guess there is a case to be made for me being a “born leader” but I think there must be a lot of leadership development that must occur so that I can be the best leader possible. I may have been born a leader, but I think I need to improve. Born leaders need to be made leaders too.

I currently work for a leadership coach who focuses on leadership development. This guy’s name is Dr. Andy Neillie and he is known for helping leaders become better leaders. He has taught at international and national conferences and has trained several Fortune 500 companies who want to turn their managers into better leaders. He believes no matter how great your leadership skills are, you can always sharpen them. I love to learn from him through direct contact and by way of his writings. He is a humble person who is always searching for new ways that he can grow as a leader too. He reads leadership books and sits in on leadership seminars so that he can glean as much new information as possible. Anyway, one of the main things I have gotten from him is that good leaders know how to motivate and inspire their followers. Great leaders don’t just expect everyone around them to be “born leaders.” They search for ways to help people to become the best leaders they can be by using incentives, outside voices and regular continuing education.

Are you a “born leader”? Do you motivate your followers and managers to become the best leaders they can be? No matter what your leadership level is at this point, I recommend finding a leadership mentor as I have. Or you can also make use of Dr. Andy Neillie’s writings and speeches – some of which can be found at his website (http://neillieleadershipgroup.com) so you can grow as a leader. Regardless of who you choose, just make sure you choose someone. There’s always room to become better.