Learning to be a leader
Abstract
Purpose
The author believes it is possible to select a better strategy for improving leadership effectiveness. His hypothesis: although leadership cannot be taught, paradoxically, leadership can be learned.
Design/methodology/approach
The playbook for developing potential leaders comprises these three elements: Establish a leadership identity and persona. Acquire relevant leadership knowledge and skills. Practice acts of leadership.
Findings
We preach the need for moral leaders, but in pursuit of maximizing shareholder returns and stock option bonuses for CEOs society embraces rogues and celebrates robber barons who successfully elbow their way ahead of the pack!
Practical implications
Whatever other personal traits the leader may possess, the one absolute prerequisite is the judicious exercise of power – specifically, the power to change the way followers think and behave.
Originality/value
Success leadership ultimately depends on the ability to communicate, to tell a story that explains the proposed corporate vector and inspires the followers to sign on for the adventure.
Keywords
Citation
Allio, R.J. (2016), "Learning to be a leader", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-06-2016-0041
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited