Nudge Are leaders born or are they made?
18 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and author of Inspire, dives into the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He explores captivating examples like how Tammy J. Schultz's calming presence during a crisis reassured passengers. Adam emphasizes the influence of vivid, expressive language in leadership, revealing how small gestures, like emailing staff on birthdays, can have a significant impact. He also discusses the power of repetition in enhancing memory and engagement, highlighting that effective leaders cultivate specific behaviors rather than relying solely on innate traits.
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Calm Saves Lives And Reassures
- Tammy J. Schultz calmly descended the plane and announced 'we are not going down. We're going to Philly.'
- She then walked row by row to check on each passenger, turning technical competence into emotional reassurance.
When A Leader Abandons The Ship
- Captain Francesco Schettino delayed reporting a disaster, spent time getting his story straight, and ended up in a lifeboat rather than coordinating rescue efforts.
- His inaction and abandonment intensified public outrage and led to criminal convictions after 130 deaths.
Leader Amplification Effect
- Leaders command attention and their actions get intensified by observers, producing larger emotional effects.
- Adam Galinsky calls this the leader amplification effect and shows both positive and negative consequences for those in spotlight roles.
