Psalm 78:70-72  He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

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Are leaders born or made? Yes.

Every leader was born. It’s hard to start any other way. Leaders are also made. They are made through experience, education, and guidance. 

Our first leadership is self-leadership. A person who learns to lead himself or herself well grows in capacity to lead others well. Leaders are learners. Each day and its experiences enlarge understanding and increase abilities for those with a mindset of growth and development. It is hard to trust a leader who does not have a bent toward learning.

Experience is a separator in leadership. Those who have been there and done that have the advantage over those who have not. Evaluated experience creates another level of separation from those who have experience without reflection. Some people never seem to learn from their experiences. 

Education beyond the most recent classroom and the last degree is another separator. Those who pay the price to gain knowledge and skills benefit from enlarged perspective. Some of the best advice you will ever hear is what a freshman English professor told his students. He said, “Get all the education you can. It will open doors for you that will remain closed otherwise.” He noted one of his professors gave him this advice years before just like someone told his professor the same thing. 

Some truths endure the tests of time.

Every leader needs a mentor, a coach, a teacher, a counselor, and a friend. Wise guidance makes us smarter, better, and faster. Who fills these roles for you?

Go back to the verses above. Ponder King David’s life before he became king and then afterward. Who filled these roles for him? 

The next time you meet with a leader of significance, ask about the network of leaders who fill these roles for him or her. 

• Who is in your network? 
• Who do you need in your network? 
• What is your single best next step you can take today toward the leader you want to become?

Our Father, thank you for the wise men and women you have strategically placed in my life. Enrich me with more like them who can help me lead myself and others with integrity and skill. Amen.