Great Leaders Are Forged by Their Experiences

As entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in their ventures, the ability to lead with purpose and foresight becomes paramount. But leadership doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. What’s more, it comes with a huge burden of responsibility to teams and the overall business. So can we learn to be better leaders? Or does it all depend on the traits we are born with? 

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Are Great Leaders Born or Made?

In today’s dynamic world, it is important for leaders to learn from experience and from other people rather than relying on innate personality traits. Learnable skills, such as emotional intelligence, active listening, and adaptability, have the power to create truly transformational leaders.

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According to Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato, COO at Zama, “While some individuals may naturally exhibit certain characteristics that make them better suited to leadership roles, the art and science of leadership can be developed and refined through education, experience, and intentional practice.”

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Effective leadership is not a static quality but a dynamic trait honed through experience. Entrepreneurs and small business owners often find themselves navigating uncharted territories, facing challenges that demand decisive action.  

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Making tough decisions, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to change contribute significantly to the evolution of effective leadership. It's in these real-world scenarios that leadership skills are forged and refined.

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What Makes a Good Leader?

There are many styles of leadership, but in the modern business landscape, transformational leaders are seen to have the best potential for success. The transformational leader builds a culture of collaboration and growth within an organization, focusing on shared goals over individual self-interest.

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Transformational leaders are highly sought after for their ability to boost morale, motivation, and collective commitment among employees. This in turn has a positive impact on innovation, organizational performance, and job satisfaction.  

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In contrast, transactional leaders rely on authority, instructing followers on what to do and using reward and punishment as their main tools for motivation. This could be considered an older model of leadership, from a time when authority was granted by birthright or bestowed according to physical or personality characteristics.

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Leaders today need more than just strength and authority — they need empathy, experience, and adaptability.

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Becoming a Transformational Leader

Evidence supports the importance of actively training leadership skills and competencies. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership confirmed that learning agility is an important predictor of successful leadership.

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Perhaps one of the most crucial skills an effective leader can develop is emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage emotions. This includes your own feelings and those of other people. 

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Leaders with high emotional intelligence can navigate the complexities of human interactions, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing team dynamics. This skill is particularly impactful in decision-making, where an awareness of emotions contributes to well-informed and empathetic choices. 

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Empathy Is a Leadership Superpower

A closely related quality to emotional intelligence is empathy — the ability to connect and sympathize with the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of others. This skill is essential in fostering a workplace culture built on understanding and mutual respect. 

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An empathetic approach enhances the leader's capacity to inspire and motivate, as they are attuned to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual within the organization. Empathy in leadership extends beyond sympathy; it involves actively listening, acknowledging diverse viewpoints, and demonstrating a genuine concern for the well-being of team members. 

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Empathy not only allows leaders to create inclusive and collaborative environments, it also encourages continuous learning from others.

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To Lead Is to Adapt and Persist

Adaptability and resilience also stand out as defining traits of transformational leaders. These leaders exhibit a dynamic approach to challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. 

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Adaptability involves a proactive response to shifts in the business environment, embracing innovation and adjusting strategies accordingly. Resilience complements adaptability, enabling leaders to bounce back from setbacks, learn from experiences, and inspire their teams to persevere in the face of adversity. 

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Transformational leaders effectively manage change, demonstrating a capacity to pivot when necessary while maintaining a steadfast commitment to their vision. Adaptability and resilience not only ensure the sustainability of an entrepreneurial venture but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and forward momentum. 

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Conclusion

The image of the glorified “natural born leader” who magically commands the loyalty and love of all who follow is over-simplistic and outdated. Today’s leaders have an even bigger responsibility: to continuously learn and improve their leadership skills.

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Essential skills such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy can be learned. We are learning them every day through our experiences and challenges. One way to get the most out of those experiences is through mindful attention and self-reflection. Courses in leadership can be another valuable aid for ongoing self-improvement and professional development.

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Sources

Forbes: Leadership: A Journey Of Growth, Not A Stamp Of Birthright

Forbes: The Secret to Transformational Leadership

Center for Creative Leadership

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