Peter Kritas @ Mailpost :Assumptions on leadership

A basic assumption is that we can train people to lead.

The evidence here is not very encouraging. We do seem to be able to teach individuals about leadership. Unfortunately findings indicate we are not so good at teaching to lead.

There are several possible explanations. To the degree that personality is a critical element in leadership effectiveness; some people may not have been born with the right personality traits. A second explanation is that there is no evidence that individuals can substantially alter their basic leadership style. A third possibility is that even if certain theories could actually guide individuals in leadership situations and even if individuals could alter their style, the complexity of those make it nearly impossible for any normal human being to assimilate all the variables and be capable of enacting the right behaviors in every situation.

Leadership training exists, and is a multibillion-dollar industry, because it works to some degree. Most Leaders would agree that although some knowledge is gained during atraining session, for the most part it is the confidence to lead that is greatly enhanced. Leaders are decision makers which are rational and emotional beings. Would a company like General Electric spend literally tens-of-millions of dollars each year on leadership training if it did not expect a handsome return? I don’t think so! And the ability to lead successfully is why companies pay CEO’s millions and in some case over $100 million to ensure the success of the enterprise. Under their leadership, many companies have experienced spectacular growth including shareholder gains.

While there are certainly disagreements over the exact definition of leadership, most academics and business people agree that leadership is an influential process whereby an individual, by his or her actions, facilitates the movement of a group of people toward the achievement of a common goal. Ensuring that the group have a culture of working together in a Team spirit and respecting their leader is of prime importance.