To read this content please select one of the options below:

Learning to be a leader

Robert J. Allio (Allio Associates LLC)

Strategy & Leadership

ISSN: 1087-8572

Article publication date: 18 July 2016

3832

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

Related articles