Leadership is a teachable skill

Leadership is a skill that can be observed, measured, and taught, but it requires courage to practice and build trust with others. While high performers tend to benefit more from leadership development programs, this goes against the goal of developing leadership skills in everyone. To reach those who resist improvement and are set in their ways, it is important that they have a desire to become leaders. Incentive structures also play a role in leadership development, as financial targets and individual success can often discourage collaborative leadership behaviors. Additionally, leadership is a capacity that everyone has, but not everyone wants or should pursue a leadership role. It is important to recognize and value both leadership and execution roles as equally important and necessary in organizations. Furthermore, equity and inclusion play a significant role in leadership development, as certain systems and stereotypes can prevent certain individuals from pursuing leadership positions. A culture that embraces vulnerability and supports diverse perspectives is crucial for effective leadership. Therefore, the notion that leadership only works for the best individuals may be flawed, as it fails to consider the impact of power differentials based on factors like gender, race, and ability.