Leaders vs. Managers: Is a Good Manager Born or Made?

Leaders are not always managers, but managers are often leaders. While leadership skills can be innate, they can also be developed over time. The question of whether a good manager is born or made has sparked numerous debates. Let's explore this topic further.

Managers as Leaders

Contrary to popular belief, managers can be great leaders. Anyone can be made into a leader, provided they are willing to embrace the challenges that come with it. Leadership is a skill that can be cultivated and refined over time. When individuals are placed in leadership roles without prior experience, they often rise to the occasion, making decisions that benefit the organization as a whole. Selfless thinking and proactive actions contribute significantly to becoming an excellent leader.

A Case in Point: My Leadership Journey

I recently took on the responsibility of overseeing my team using a project management app called Connecteam. I successfully organized my team's tasks and arranged necessary meetings. My efforts were recognized, and I received commendations for my outstanding performance. This experience has reinforced my belief in the notion that leaders can be made, not just born.

The Nature of Management

Management involves balancing multiple factors, such as overseeing people, production, and self-interest. Managers must strike a delicate balance between the needs of their team and those of the employer. They must often make hard decisions that can impact the entire organization, requiring them to think beyond their own interests.

Challenges and Limitations

Not everyone born into a management role is destined for success. Some individuals may possess natural charisma and leadership qualities, but they still fall short when faced with more complex challenges. These individuals often reach their ceiling of effectiveness and fail to fully leverage their innate abilities.

Beyond the Born vs. Made Debate

The notion that good managers or leaders are predestined to lead is an outdated and flawed concept. It was created to maintain the status quo among the elite few. In reality, no one is born with the innate qualities to lead. Instead, these qualities can be developed and honed through experience, training, and continuous learning.

Education and Experience Matter

Leadership is not something one is born with; it is a skill that can be acquired through education, experience, and coaching. Life experiences, personal values, and motivation play a crucial role in shaping one's leadership abilities. It is more accurate to say that managers are trained and developed through a combination of these factors.

Conclusion

Leadership and management are skills that can be cultivated and improved upon over time. While some individuals may possess a natural inclination towards these qualities, it is the development and application of these skills that truly define a good manager. The future of leadership lies not in inheritance but in education, experience, and personal growth.