The assumption is often made that those who lead, do so naturally out of an inborn set of attributes which hardly leave a choice. Leaders are "born," not "made." A parallel with the musical talent is often drawn - some people very early are known to be able to sing a tune, learn to play an instrument, or even compose original music with apparently very little effort. That leadership is a gift, like music, may be obvious, but perhaps the analogy should be pressed a little further. When it is acknowledged that a young person is gifted with musical talent, they are encouraged, sometimes even forced to submit to training so that the gift may be developed for the benefit of all who will listen. At first, only parents and grand-parents delight to hear the fumbling, discordant attempts of the child to play the instrument. However, as skill develops, the audience broadens.
Much the same should be applied to the development of leadership. The inborn talent is there, but effectiveness in leading waits for the development of needed skill.
A story is told about a farmer who was standing along side his field, which was now almost ready for harvest. There were long straight rows of several different kinds of vegetables: bright green carrot tops, full heads of cabbage, bright orange pumpkins, carefully propped up tomato plants, and many rows of tall, proud stalks of corn. A neighbor happened to come by for a visit, and the farmer rather boastfully exclaimed, "Look at my beautiful field and the wonderful garden I have made." The neighbor, being a religious man, began to scold the farmer. "You should not be so boastful; after all, it was God who made that field, and you should thank Him."
"Oh, I am thankful," replied the farmer, "but you should have seen this field when God had it all by Himself!"
This story adds emphasis to the idea that gifts are in need of development. The gift we call "leadership" should be no exception. Natural-born leaders will always have a following, but where will they lead their followers, and who will be most advantaged, the leaders or the followers? If leadership is a gift, who should be the recipient of that gift? Think again of the music analogy. When the musician learns to play well, he may receive some reward, if only the self-satisfaction which results from accomplishment. But the greater benefit goes to those whose lives are made more joyful and peaceful as they listen to beautiful music skillfully played. So it is also with leadership. If the leader leads with increasing understanding, sensitivity, communication and other related leadership skills, the lives of those who follow will be greatly enhanced.
Today a call goes out to leaders, and to leaders of leaders. It is incumbent to give attention to the development of this important gift. How this could be best accomplished is a subject for a later discussion. But there should be no argument that investment in the development of leaders will pay huge dividends in every segment of society: religious, economic, industrial, and political. To raise the level of leadership will produce the same affect as an incoming tide. Anchored in the harbor are large luxury liners, professional fishing boats, perhaps a Navy Destroyer ship, small row-boats and a canoe paddled by young boys. But when the tide comes in, all boats are lifted to a higher level. So it will be with the development of leadership.
"Born to Lead" is a correct assessment, let's just make sure the new-born are well nourished.
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