Are Managers Born Or Made?

Early 19th century researchers and historians such as Thomas Carlyle exalted the ‘Great Man’ theory of leadership citing history’s great and famous such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon and Abraham Lincoln as representing natural leaders taking control in tumultuous times. These leaders and managers of men did not have the benefit of modern management teachings and in many cases, such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, achieved their leadership roles at an extraordinary young age.  Critics of the Great Man Theory identified that many of these leaders achieved these positions through their birth-right and were subsequently influenced by social, educational and opportunistic factors. Undoubtedly gender was a major factor in the progression of these early leaders and indeed, the recent Ambition and Gender Work Report (2011 Institute of Leadership & Management Development) still finds that nearly three quarters of Women believe that barriers to advancement still exist.

Dolly & Friends '9 to 5'

Early views on the achievements of leaders adopted the ‘Trait Theory of Personality’ identifying the broad dispositions of a person and the interaction of various unique traits of individuals. This identification of the ‘human factor’ in management has continued throughout the twentieth century with the development of management theories and studies from the initial Classical writers on to the Contingency view where more emphasis of human nature is taken. During the latter half of the last century, the role of the manager has now become open to the ‘masses’ reducing both the gender and class distinctions from where it originally evolved.

Nevertheless, there are people who excel in their managerial role -  ‘Management All-Stars’ with a desire to manage. Many relate this desire to manage to an early experience in life although clearly the trait of the person will dictate how such an experience is exploited and  although nurtured and fine tuned during life due to surroundings and stimulus, the basic traits are with you from birth. The Chess Grand Master, Bobby Fischer’s passion for puzzles was combined with endless hours of studying and playing chess. Born with this passion, Fischer became what he was and this was summed up by his rival, Garry Kaspsrov as ‘an innate gift’ .

So the answer to the question ‘Are managers born or made?’  -  they are made but the answer to the more pertinant question, are ‘good managers born or made?’ ; the answer is, without doubt, born.

Condensed extract from Paper

 presented by Daniel Staines