ques. Many leaders were born with certain highly developed characteristics, such as a high level of ambition, a special entrepreneurial instinct and charisma. However, for most people developing leadership qualities is a life-long process. Leadership is a skill and a habit. Like most skills and habits, one that improves with practice. As we become more skilled, the habits take over (Avolio, 18).
In contrast, Heifetz writes that what is truly misunderstood about the concept of leadership is not whether leaders are born or made, which he dismisses as a side issue, but the fact that individuals often confuse authority with leadership. Having the actual authority to take action, such as to fire or to promote an employee is not the same as being a leader. Leaders work to capitalize on the strengths of each of their subordinates. Managers control their subordinates, and leaders motivate them. Being a manager is not the same thing as being a leader (Heifetz, 20).
Kathleen Melymuka of ComputerWorld interviewed Ronald Heifetz who co
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