Introduce the two opposing perspectives on leadership (innate vs. learned). State the author's personal opinion (agrees leadership is learned).
There exists a dichotomy of beliefs concerning leadership, with one school of thought positing that leadership is an innate trait, while the other asserts that it is a skill that can be cultivated. My inclination leans towards the latter perspective.
Topic sentence: Arguments for leadership being a natural talent. Points: Some children show early leadership signs (innate), often not from leader families (rules out environment), key traits (charisma, decisiveness) are inherent, training doesn't always result in developing traits.
Advocates of the inherent leadership theory hold their stance for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they point to the existence of child prodigies who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities at a tender age, which seems to suggest an inborn predisposition. This argument is further bolstered by the fact that these prodigies often come from families with no history of remarkable leadership, thereby negating the influence of environment. Secondly, they argue that certain personality traits, such as charisma and decisiveness, which are integral to effective leadership, are intrinsic and cannot be learned. This is exemplified by the fact that despite extensive training, some individuals never develop these traits, indicating their innate nature.
Topic sentence: Arguments for leadership skills being learned and developed (author's view). Points: Many great leaders came from ordinary backgrounds and developed skills through experience/work (e.g., Abraham Lincoln), success of leadership training programs (e.g., shy people becoming confident).
However, I align myself with those who believe that leadership skills can be developed over time. The primary argument supporting this view is that numerous successful leaders have emerged from humble beginnings, with no discernible leadership traits in their early life, only to develop them through experiences and deliberate effort. This is exemplified by the life of Abraham Lincoln, who, despite his modest upbringing, became one of the most revered leaders in history. Furthermore, the existence of leadership training programs that have proven successful in enhancing individuals' leadership abilities substantiates this view. For instance, the transformation of introverted individuals into confident leaders after undergoing such programs underscores the potential for leadership skills to be acquired.
Summarize the main arguments for both views. Restate the author's opinion that leadership skills can be developed, emphasizing the points about leaders from humble beginnings and the effectiveness of training programs.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments to suggest that leadership is an innate trait, the evidence supporting the idea that leadership skills can be developed is more persuasive, particularly the emergence of leaders from humble beginnings and the success of leadership training programs.
