tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314680638837412377.post2066759249166445536..comments2023-07-04T02:00:40.336-07:00Comments on ISU Ed. Leadershop: Born or MadeDr. Ryan Donlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06206899286665144757noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314680638837412377.post-76947092177418057732013-02-10T17:52:18.547-08:002013-02-10T17:52:18.547-08:00Please....
To think that God takes time to anoint...Please....<br /><br />To think that God takes time to anoint people with the gift of leadership (born with it), can only be supported by those who believe they have been touched.<br /><br />It seems that some may take a less divine approach and perhaps claim that a few have the DNA necessary to recognize leadership opportunities and then proceed to execute that role with success. Which suggests everyone else lacking this protein is designated as a follower. Let's sort them at birth and track them, maybe check again at 3rd grade to be sure we don't have any late bloomers. But after that, it may be too late to orient them to provide us with the type of leadership we want.<br /><br />I have this same issue with those who are "born to be artists". It seems some people are able to draw better than others, thus when recognized in school with this talent the teacher will build on this talent, further separating the 'artist' from others who seem to lack the ability to create art - defined as producing artwork which reflects realism. Well, much of what is in art museums from the 20th century does not glorify realism. The ability to draw things so they look real is something we learn to respect. Which means it is a cultural artifact, nothing sacred. The kids unable to draw things that look real are artists too. They can express reality, summon emotions, or begin a conversation with their own style of art. To value realism over the abstract is to regress to the preferences of those who do not understand art.<br /><br />Now take that dynamic to the idea of identifying and nurturing leaders. Those who understand leadership could not possibly believe it is limited to a few special souls.<br /><br />We seem to think that when a child exhibits certain behaviors of leadership (or maybe their parents have leadership roles) that they must have been touched, or have some kind of talent or head start to becoming an effective leader. They can draw things that look real. The idea of effective leadership in this vein is simply a cultural artifact.<br /><br />To glorify a 'born to be a leader' attitude is no more intelligent than believing Norman Rockwell is a better artist than Jackson Pollock. Please....<br /><br /><br />Dr. Ryan Donlanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06206899286665144757noreply@blogger.com