The Importance of Cognitive Ability in Leadership

Inate ability as it pertains to leadership consists of four major factors, cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, motivation and personality. Cognitive ability is a key determinant of a leader's ability to be successful at different organizational role levels. Unlike learned skills, cognitive ability is not trainable. It is a hardwired ability that unfolds through a natural maturation process across one's lifespan. A leader's cognitive ability determines how she approaches problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal interactions.