Can leading be learned?

摘要

Can leadership be learned? Some think it is an in-built characteristic, others think it is something you can develop and perfect. Can you learn to inspire? Or are some people just "natural" leaders? The classic nature vs nurture debate has moved into the boardroom, and the human resource (HR) and training offices. Lilly Research Laboratories has something brewing. It is not a potion or medicine, but it might have the power to change people's lives. What they are involved in is the immunization against crisis: leadership development. They have teamed up with Barnes & Conti Associates Inc. to form their own "Leadership Development Council", developing a program for potential leaders coming up through the organization. A need was identified for innovative and inspirational leaders to be able to take the helm when the current leaders moved on, and the leadership development programs were born.