Are great leaders born with innate abilities, or can anyone be shaped into a successful leader through practice and mentorship?

Leadership is like dancing; some may have natural abilities, but everyone can improve through training and practice. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT, J. Bryan Bennett, founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Center of Excellence, explores the classic debate of whether leaders are born or made. According to Bryan, leadership is like dancing. He believes those with innate leadership traits, such as risk-taking and vision, tend to have a higher leadership ceiling, while qualities like empathy and humility may be more challenging to cultivate.

Bryan explains that great leaders take risks, articulate a clear vision, and demonstrate empathy and humility. Poor leaders, on the other hand, are often self-serving, toxic, and uninterested in others’ success. Leadership development can be aided by mentors, who play a vital role in guiding both young and seasoned professionals. Bryan emphasizes that leadership is a continuous learning process, and the best leaders are always seeking to grow.

Additionally, Bryan notes that leadership skills are generally the same across demographics, though perceptions may vary. He recommends investing in personal development through reading, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship, with both mentors and coaches playing crucial roles in career advancement. He also stresses the importance of self-reflection, having an external voice through a mentor, and always being open to growth as key strategies for becoming an effective leader.

Tune in to discover the key traits that shape effective leadership and learn how you can cultivate them in your own journey!