By Osarennoma Ogbeide
There is a popular debate as to whether leaders are born or made. Some see leadership as an inherent trait present in an individual’s genes, therefore the only explanation as to why they are good at leading is because they were born to lead. Leaders could be made through series of teachings and behavioural adaptations. One where the individual has put in conscious effort to be like the leader he wants to be.
I don’t think this topic should be one to debate over. Whether leaders are born or made is not where emphasis should be made, rather we should focus on the importance of being good leaders in our generation and what it entails. Going by John C. Maxwell’s definition, “a leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way”. This is one of my favourite definitions and it is very simple to understand. Judging by this and other definitions, arguments of a born-leader or made-leader do not really matter. You just have to know what you are doing, show others the reason to believe in the cause and show them how to achieve it in the best way possible.
I believe this is something anyone can do, the only problem is that many are not willing to pay the sacrifice required for leadership, which is service! It may seem very ironical how you have to serve to be able to lead but that’s where the truth is. Leadership is service. It is not just about authority or domination; neither is it just a position or title. It is about sacrifice, putting others before yourself, empowering others. It is taking action and being an example. We have however seen that the values and virtues required of good leadership is one that cannot be taken on by all.
To be a good leader, you’ve to be a good servant. Even the bible showed us this when Jesus decided to wash the feet of his disciples, including the one to betray him. He ended that gesture by telling them to do the same for others, not in the literal sense but the fact that they would need to serve in order to lead. What a great example! Think about it, leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders. Yes, you may have followers; why not make leaders out of them?
