This question comes up a lot. History gives us examples of people who seemed wired for leadership—natural presence, confidence, decisiveness. Those outliers exist. But they’re the exception, not the rule. Most effective leaders are cultivated. They’re taught. They’re coached. They’re corrected. They’re shaped by failure, accountability, and time under pressure. Leadership isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill set built through repetition and standards. What usually gets mistaken for “born leadership” is early exposure: - Someone who was held to high expectations early - Someone who had mentors that didn’t lower the bar - Someone who learned consequences before comfort The real divide isn’t born vs. made. It’s intentional vs. accidental. People don’t drift into leadership. They either pursue it deliberately or they inherit authority without developing the skills—and the difference shows quickly. Questions for you: - Who actually shaped your leadership, whether they meant to or not? - What habits or standards were trained into you over time? - Where are you relying on instinct instead of development? Comment: Do you believe leadership can be taught—and if so, what’s one skill you had to learn the hard way?

How do you tell a senior leader they’re wrong? If you've been in a leadership position, you have probably encountered this. If leadership—especially with peers—is best exercised by example, what does that look like when the person above you holds the authority? Leading up is not about confrontation or compliance. It’s about judgment, timing, and credibility. It’s about deciding when to speak, how to frame the issue, and whether your intent is to protect standards or protect yourself. Most leaders don’t fail because they stay silent once. They fail because silence becomes their default. Questions to consider before you comment: - When was the last time you disagreed with a senior leader—and what did you do? - Did you lead with facts and intent, or did you defer for comfort? - Are you building enough trust and competence to be heard when it actually matters? Comment: Where are you currently choosing compliance over leadership—and what’s the cost if you keep doing it?

Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” Which matters more in practice?

What does leadership mean to you right now—not the textbook definition, but how it’s showing up in your life?

Leadership shows up at the decision point. What decision are you responsible for right now that you are delaying, avoiding, or overthinking? No backstory required. Just the decision.