Are some people just born with Leadership/Likeability?

BadgerFan

Member
Aug 4, 2003
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It seems like my whole life I have been thrown in leadership positions at breakneck speed. In high school I became an assistant manager at a movie theatre in about a year. After one year of college I was the leader of a well respected international engineering project. I attained a lucrative internship a year early than most people have a chance to get it. At the end of the internship this summer I was immediately offered a position next summer. All I really do is be myself, act matter of fact, and say it like it is. I am not a yes man, or an ass kisser. Has anyone had similar life experience? Maybe the exact opposite? No matter how hard you try you can never impress people? How about some philosophy, do leaders choose themselves, or do people pick a person and they become a leader by the attitudes of those around them? I am curious to hear what people have to say!

Just thought I would say, that I am not trying to toot my own horn here. One thing I often wonder is if I am too nice, and perhaps I get all this responsibility, because others are trying to offload theirs onto me! I meant for this to be a discussion about what quality people think helps you get ahead, or attain leadership positions.
 

Mutilator

Diamond Member
Aug 22, 2000
3,513
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I think it's one of the skills you're either born with or you're not. I'm a great leader... but I know I'll never be able to dunk a basketball.
I guess you've gotta use what you're given to the best of your abilities.
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
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To a certain extent, yes. There are people that are naturally good leaders, very proactive, etc.

Unfortunately, thinkers and philosophers are generally not.
 

dighn

Lifer
Aug 12, 2001
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I think it has to do with your personality and perhaps appearance as well (eg appear trust-worthy). need to be outgoing, confident, good decision maker, charismatic etc

 

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
18,447
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I think a lot of it is inherent. There's some suggestion that it has to do with birth order. Are you firstborn?
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
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Originally posted by: HotChic
I think a lot of it is inherent. There's some suggestion that it has to do with birth order. Are you firstborn?

Depends on which parent you go by. :p

2nd born. :(
 

BadgerFan

Member
Aug 4, 2003
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Originally posted by: HotChic
I think a lot of it is inherent. There's some suggestion that it has to do with birth order. Are you firstborn?


Second born. Does that mean anything? I have an older sister and little brother. My father went to trade school to climb power lines, and now he is an executive. Perhaps it is in the genes?
 

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
18,447
133
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Originally posted by: BadgerFan
Originally posted by: HotChic
I think a lot of it is inherent. There's some suggestion that it has to do with birth order. Are you firstborn?


Second born. Does that mean anything? I have an older sister and little brother. My father went to trade school to climb power lines, and now he is an executive. Perhaps it is in the genes?

Couple paragraphs down, hypothoses on birth order
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81
Originally posted by: HotChic
Originally posted by: BadgerFan
Originally posted by: HotChic
I think a lot of it is inherent. There's some suggestion that it has to do with birth order. Are you firstborn?


Second born. Does that mean anything? I have an older sister and little brother. My father went to trade school to climb power lines, and now he is an executive. Perhaps it is in the genes?

Couple paragraphs down, hypothoses on birth order

What if I fit in three of those categories? :Q
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
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Big part of it is age and appearance. I was the first born, and since I'm also 6'5" I am usually looked at as a leader. All through school I was the tallest, if not one of the tallest kids in class. Especially at that age, kids look up to bigger kids as leaders.
 

monotony

Senior member
Nov 18, 2000
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I don't agree that you are born with it or you don't have it. I think some people are 'born' with it, b/c that's the way they naturally grow into who they become. But if someone were to work to be a good leader and embrace that role, they can be just as good. It's just some people don't have to work at it that hard.