Blog Author: Beckie Mossor, RVT
NAVTA President-Elect
Are leaders born or made? This is an age-old question. My public administration studies focus a lot on leadership and this very question. We know there are people in leadership who are not great leaders but great business managers. I know great leaders who have no interest in pursuing it, and we know some people never intend to but emerge a leader when put in a situation where it is required.
To many, leadership is power. In fact, for many, it’s synonymous. I have thought that in the past, too. When in positions of leadership, I needed to exert power. But there was never a good outcome. Over time, with therapy, education, and many self-discoveries, I have found a better understanding of leadership, what it looks like, and most importantly, what it feels like.
To me, leadership is a journey where an individual or individuals exhibit the behaviors or traits that motivate others, personally, professionally, or in another way to motivate them to take action in some area of their life. I have had a few people approach me and tell me how something I said inspired them to make a meaningful change in their life. Those moments I feel like a leader when I ignite in others what is already there but needs a light shined on that part of them to spark the change. To me, this ability to inspire change, best practices or best leadership, self-care, or other change that improves my colleagues’ lives is what makes me feel like a leader. I hope to leave some of my best with those I encounter.
So, in my opinion, leaders are born and made; you have to be born to be made anything. Find the people who spark you and strive to leave sparks in the people you interact with. Label or not, you are a leader in some way every day, so embrace that we leave our mark on others and choose what we leave. Be a leader who finds strengths, looks for something good, and magnifies them in those around you