Course: BUS 104-B050 | Intro to Business | Professor Buckler | Spring 2022

Are Leaders Born or Made?

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    • #11100

      Brielle Buckler
      Participant

      Read the background story of each of these 3 successful entrepreneurs, activists, and leaders. Analyze, compare, contrast their backgrounds and personal characteristics.

      What do they have in common? What stands out about these individuals? What do you notice that is different? Write a response below explaining commonalities and differences.

      Given what you’ve learned about each of these entrepreneurs: do you think leaders are born or made? Why?

      ————

      In order to receive full credit for this assignment, all components of this assignment are due by 11:59pm ET on Friday, May 6, 2022. You should first contribute a thoughtful post of your own before viewing/commenting on the posts of others.

      Once you submit your post, you must respond meaningfully to at least two other classmates’ threads. This assignment is worth a total of ten (10) points — 6 possible points for your original post, and up to 2 points for each of the two responses to your classmates’ posts. Please reference our Discussion Rubric for more information.

      • This topic was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by Brielle Buckler. Reason: Updated Date / Rubric Link
      • This topic was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by Brielle Buckler. Reason: Updated Leaders
    • #11490

      Zakaria Ahmed
      Participant

      For quite a long time, individuals have been attempting to sort out whether extraordinary pioneers are brought into the world with inborn administration abilities or on the other hand in the event that you can form individuals into pioneers. Late logical examinations propose that initiative is 30% hereditary and 70% learned. These discoveries suggest that pioneers are made not conceived.

      At last, the response is that both are valid: an individual can be brought into the world with regular initiative capacities, and somebody can figure out how to be a decent pioneer at work. Whether or not somebody is a “conceived pioneer,” everybody has space to acquire new abilities and fill in administration capability.

      The capacity to prepare pioneers is astounding information for associations. You don’t have to keep an eye out for somebody with normal administration abilities to show up you can begin preparing incredible pioneers today.

      • #11649

        Mohamed Hossein
        Participant

        Hi Zakaria, very well detailed response. I really like how you mentioned that “everybody has space to acquire new abilities”. I think that is the only way the people who are well known and well respected in todays world followed. Before they were known or even had anything to their name, they were probably just ordinary people just like me, you, and the rest of the people in the world. However, they took the chance to acquire these new abilities by exploring their options.

      • #11659

        Edward Quinn
        Participant

        I think it’s so important to know that anyone can become better–mindset, that is, the mental framework of adaptability and optimism of continuous improvement, is probably the most important thing needed to become successful.  Personally, I like the story of Charles Atlas, who turned himself from a “scrawny kid” into the pioneer of the bodybuilding lifestyle, coming to America as a skinny immigrant and through his driven mindset, pushing his body to become something that it perhaps naturally would have never attained.  Why not the same with people and interpersonal skills, and drive and business acumen to become a successful executive or business owner?  I am still a scrawny kid, haha, but this story fires me up to tackle life with more passion and grit!

      • #11678

        Fatima Pichardo
        Participant

        Hello Zakaria, I really like this response and I feel like its a bit of both. There are some people born with the initiative and with the required preparation they can become even better, there are also those who aren’t born with those qualities but they can also achieve it through hard work. And then we have those people that even given the right preparations, they are not made for it.

      • #11681

        Gabriel Aman
        Participant

        I liked how you responded but sometimes in these certain curicumstance leaders can be born with the power of become popular or important with resources already given to them but leaders who don’t have the same privllege of having everything easy have to put in hard work every day to see there succes come up.

    • #11648

      Mohamed Hossein
      Participant

      Alexandria Cortex is a socialist of American Democratic who made the headlines in 2018 through thrashing a ten-term incumbent of New York Democrat in a congressional primary, prior to becoming the youngest woman to be elected to the congress, which after that made her history as the fourth prevailing Democrat in the house (Brockes, 2019). In her business schedules, Cortex and Ed Markey, senator, came up with a resolution that examined the Green New Deal scope. The strategy by Cortex and Her friend entitled to major investment in technology research of clean energy and aiming at including other federal jobs in her mission and vision. Cortex also spoke and struggled much with abortion and border issues. However, Frederick Smith is an executive in the American business, and he founded FedEx, an express-delivery company among the largest ones in the world (Frederick, 2018). Smith also learned economics, and through all his struggles, he was made the president of Federal Express for both trucks and airplanes. Through his strategies, missions, and visions, he managed profits even after the company had collapsed. Third, Lebron James is a basketball player in the U.S. He became an instantaneous star after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers of NBA immediately after skipping college (Coombs & Cassilo, 2017). Nevertheless, Lebron managed to lead the Miami Heat to NBA trophies in 2012 and 2013, later managing championship titles in 2016 with Cleveland before joining Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.

      Following the backgrounds of Cortex, Lebron and Smith, there are commonalities in the way each worked hard to gain what they achieved in their lifetime. Despite the challenges each of them went through, they never lost their hopes and struggled to achieve their goals in their businesses, and all acted as leaders within the groups they were working under. However, the difference developed because the three were envisioned in different fields in which some were talent-based while others were career-based. Contrary, I think that leaders are born but are not made. The three were pinned well in their careers since their childhoods, corresponded to what some of their parents used to do, and gave even to their best.

      References

      Brockes, E. (2019). When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez met Greta Thunberg:’hope is contagious’. Sat29, 08-00.

      Coombs, D. S., & Cassilo, D. (2017). Athletes and/or activists: LeBron James and Black lives matter. Journal of Sport and Social Issues41(5), 425-444.

      Frederick, W. C. (2018). Corporate social responsibility: From founders to Millennials. In Corporate social responsibility. Emerald Publishing Limite

      • #11664

        Nadia Khan
        Participant

        Hi Mohammed. Great similarities and differences between all three individuals! You mention at the end of your post, that all three were pinned well in their careers since their childhoods, and had to do what their parents did. I understand this for Lebron James case however how does Alexandria and Fredericks childhood correspond with their later careers? Also, was Alexandria and Lebron’s parents in politics and professional sports as well?

      • #11665

        Edward Quinn
        Participant

        Hi Mohamed!  I personally agree with you that (generally speaking), leaders are born and not made.  This flies in the face of much of the material we are taught in school (and also the military, where I was taught that leaders are made).  That said, it’s clearly not as cut and dry, and there can be elements of both statements where it’s true–I think that leaders can also be made and taught and molded, but this takes an incredible amount of work and commitment and many of us (sorry if I am projecting my own insecurities and weaknesses, haha) are apt to revert back to our default settings!  Just my personal .02!

      • #11687

        Syeed Salvant
        Participant

        Hi Mohammad, I also wrote about how hard all three of these individuals worked to achieve their positions and life, and although I disagree with you that leaders are born and not made I see your point of view because all three of them are in positions very few people will ever reach.

    • #11652

      Zakaria Ahmed
      Participant

      Hi Mohammad,

      I have read your description which you have described very deeply. and also you have provided good references.  In each step, it should be more details if we want to update that. According to research, Leaders are already born because if they are born and by the passing of time will Make the things by using different Terms. and from business, they can earn more Power. We just need to follow the requirements and steps that we need.

    • #11658

      Edward Quinn
      Participant

      These three individuals, from different parts of the US and different walks of life, have much in common–they are all extremely successful, and they are all leaders in their respective fields of politics, business, and professional sports.  They are driven, determined, and have also persevered through different crucible events and periods of time where they experienced challenges were other less determined individuals may have given up.  They believe in themselves and their vision, and they have the chutzpah (balls!) to follow through.

      However, they are also different in that they come from different walks of life–Occasio-Cortez and James come from lower income families, and didn’t receive prestigious Ivy League education and the networking effect that comes with such institutions and pedigrees, while Smith was born into an entrepreneurial family with means and did in fact receive such education.  Further, they are also talented in different areas, like sports and athletic pursuits versus complex politics of, well, politics and starting and growing a logistics conglomerate.  That aside, I would imagine their personalities are more alike than different even though they occupy different worlds!

      Given what I know about these individuals, I think that first of all, the “truth” should be a more “both, and” and not an “either, or”–that is, they are natural born leaders who have honed their tenacity and vision to become increasingly successful!  However, if I had to plant a flag more firmly in one side or the other of the debate, I would honestly say that the “best” leaders are born, not made.  As Jay-Z sings, “you are who you are, playa” — I think the most charismatic and powerful leaders are those who were destined for greatness from the time of conception onward.  Obviously, one needs to practice, work hard, fail, pick oneself up and try again and become sharpened steel on the path to greatness, but the most successful individuals are more often than not born charismatic and have the mental mindset and tenacity beyond what the “average Joe” possesses.  That said, I do think that an individual can transform herself into a leader with the right mindset and with practice and time, but the vast majority of us are probably naturally in the follower or leader camp since birth.  My .02 =)

      • #11663

        Nadia Khan
        Participant

        Hey Edward. I agree that leaders can be both made and born. But I do find your take interesting when you mention, if you had to choose one, it would be born. I love the fact you quote Jay-Z but I do understand what you are saying, I think some people have such great talent that its hard for them not to be a leader, it comes naturally. For example singers, many people can sing but some of the greatest singers in the world are icons because they have a talent that most don’t.

        • #11679

          Gabriel Aman
          Participant

          Hi Edward! Liked how you stated about leaders are natural born just liked you quoted about jay z lyrics from certain songs that some people would know about if they are huge fans of Jay z. Also liked how you said leaders are destined to have greatness in them to go be on there career and power of being a leader.

    • #11660

      Nadia Khan
      Participant

      All three individuals are successful in different industries, politics, sports, and business. Alexandria and Lebron come from more humble beginnings compared to Frederick who grew up in a wealthy family, since his dad was also a businessman/entrepreneur. However, Smith did struggle financially at some point with FedEx which is when he decided to make money through gambling in Vegas. Alexandria also dealt with financial hardships after her father passed from cancer, and she took up some low wage restaurant jobs. However she did not grow up with politics around her or went to school in hopes of being in Congress one day as opposed to Smith who comes from a family in business. Or even James, who is born with a natural gift for basketball, I am sure this gives someone an upper hand in being successful when a skill is acquired naturally rather than learned.

      All three individuals come from different backgrounds and have dealt with different struggles yet were able to become successful and a leader in their line of work. Therefore, when I wonder if leaders are born or made, I think both. Many leaders in the world today and in history come from different backgrounds. I think it is easier for some who are given resources, such as better education, or prime examples of success in their lives, or money. However it goes back to Lebron who didn’t have those resources and still was able to become a leader because of his talent. So in my opinion, I think leaders can be both born and made.

      • This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Nadia Khan.
      • This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Nadia Khan.
      • #11689

        Anonymous
        Inactive

        I agree with what you said about how leaders can be both born and made. For most people, leadership is a skill that can be acquired through learning. All of them have untapped leadership potential, it’s just that the potential is different. However, no matter where a person’s current leadership abilities are, there is always space for progress.

      • #11691

        Mohamed Hossein
        Participant

        Hi Nadia. I really liked your response and I have to say, I think you developed a well written response. I think what we all don’t realize Is besides the fact that these individuals are very well known, they also have faced and continue to face difficulties in their life times where the other side may not realize they are also humans. You mentioned that “they have dealt with different struggles yet are able to become successful and a leader in their line of work” which I completely agree with. However, I sometimes feel that It can become extremely unbearable for them to handle the fame, success, and personal issues.

    • #11666

      Syeed Salvant
      Participant

      When it comes to Lebron James, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Fredrick W. Smith they are all connected by how hard they worked to achieve their goals.  Lebron James did not have an easy childhood as he bounced around Akron Ohio and from a young age he knew sports would be his way to uplift him and his mother out of their struggle.  He was a stand-out in football and basketball and ultimately chose basketball to pursue long-term because of an injury in football.  Basketball ended up being the right decision because LeBron has gone on to become one of the greatest basketball players ever and it’s all thanks to the work he put in and continues to put in, although LeBron has standout talent his hard work and dedication are what allowed him to lead 4 teams to an NBA championship.  The story of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez correlates with Lebrons because of the humble beginnings she comes from and the perseverance she showed throughout her life to reach her current position.  Fredrick W. Smith’s story differs a little bit from Lebrons and Alexandria because of his Army background but the similarities of hard work and a will to win and succeed are still there with all three.  After leaving the army Smith went on to become the founding president of FedEx which would go on to become one of the biggest delivery services in the world.

      All of these entrepreneurs have amazing stories and based on their stories I believe that leaders are made not born.  It doesn’t matter what circumstances you are born in if you put the work in you can be a leader and a successful leader, when you look at people in high positions it may look like everything comes natural to them but they put in the work to be in that position and look so comfortable in that position.  Everyone has the ability to learn and grow into an exceptional leader.

       

       

      • #11685

        Jamal thomas
        Participant

        I agree with the idea that leaders aren’t determined from birth. Success definitely comes to those who strive and maintain discipline.

    • #11667

      Jamal thomas
      Participant

      After reviewing the provided background given on all 3 established public figures, I can conclude that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frederick W. Smith, and Lebron James are well renown public figures who have succeeded not only within their professions, but also within outside ventures in terms of the business world.  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has made waves with her strong political endeavors; especially at such a young age. Frederick W. Smith served during the Vietnam war, and attained a variety of accolades. Lebron James strived (and will likely become when it’s all said and done) to be the greatest basketball player to ever step foot on a basketball court.

      though the methods in which they established themselves as prominent figures within society are vastly different, they all have ties within/towards invoking ethical practices and the business world. Starting back off with Ms. Cortez, who proceeded to introduce (along with Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey) a plan recognized as “The Green Deal”. This deal centered on establishing/invoking an increase of renewable energy sources by the year 2030; as well as an additional focus towards clean energy technology research and development. Frederick W. Smith is the proud founder of Federal Express (which can also be referenced to as FEDEX) which operates as a postal service which has seen a large introduction of innovations within its lifetime. Lebron James proceeded to help establish both the Lebron James Family Foundation in 2004 (which sought to provide assistance to children and single parents in need) and the I Promise educational institution in 2018 (A school established in purpose to positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives).

       

      Overall, the following people are prime examples that being a leader is not something that you are born with in particular, but rather a trait or skill that you develop depending on you background and your mission as a person.

       

      • This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Jamal thomas.
      • This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Jamal thomas.
    • #11674

      Fatima Pichardo
      Participant

      Something that all these 3 individuals have in common is that they are all very successful and dedicated. Frederick W. Smith came from more of a wealthy background since his father was already a businessman, which gave him a platform and familiarity; while Alexandria and Lebron came from more humble backgrounds where they had to work really hard to get where they were. What stands out about them is the fact that they have ambitions, a set goal, aspirations and above all, they don’t shy away from failure.

      when it comes to the debate about leaders being born or made, I feel like it’s a combination of both. There is just something different about people like that. I myself know a few people who have this gift and I often find myself wondering how it is that they do it. I feel like its something people are born with, something that comes naturally. The motivation, the drive, the ambition, the need to make a change and not settle for normality, having a clear goal and not losing focus when something doesn’t go as planned, being able to take risks… all these things are essential . But they also need a platform, some sort of support to help them achieve greater goals and to push them further.

      • #11683

        Jamal thomas
        Participant

        The idea of it being a combination is a interesting and great take overall. Mentioning motivation is a key as well.

    • #11675

      Kevin j Pena
      Participant

      Through experience I believe leaders are made. This does not deny that they are born with leadership traits. Just that if those traits aren’t honed and built upon they become destructive leaders rather than constructive ones. The three readings this week are prime examples of this. Reading the brief biography we can see that Alexandria Ocasió-Cortez is one of the natural born leaders and an activist. She rose to the position she is currently in. This shows great drive, but the flaw in this rise shows when showing lack of knowledge on the global impact some of her decisions would make. The same could be said for Lebron James. He is a natural born leader in strength and skill. This is undeniable but his weakness is in his team building abilities. His individual skill is phenomenal however a singular person does not have the impact an entire team would. This is seen by his many internal conflicts with coaches and fellow team members. If you compare him with other athletes such as the late Kobe Bryant or football’s Tom Brady. We see leaders who build the team around them which results in wins and praises from coaches and teammates alike. As with AOC we see the natural drive of a leader in Lebron, but a leader is only as good as those who surround them. This is where Fredrick W Smith was different. He showed the same natural talents as the other two leaders we read about this week. But through his military experience he learned the impact a team has. While Reading this brief biography one can see he understood the burden of a leader. Which is why he sustained Fedex by himself when the company took a downturn. But believing In his service he didn’t give up. Also holding various positions shows his interests in seeing what is needed for that position. Unlike the other two who solely worked on their skills. Smith learned the company leaving each previous position in capable hands establishing a company that has risen and expanded internationally. This is why I believe leaders are made.
      Through these three leaders we see their desire take them to high positions in their fields. Each took a different route but ended up where they desired. The only difference being the teams surrounding them and how they contributed to them. One can look at all three as a success. But that will be seen as time moves on and their impact on history is seen. This does not dismiss that there are natural born leaders, just that the skills acquired throughout growth and team building leadership skills are more important than individual skill. This is where many modern leaders have declined. They retire and leave the company in the hands of someone who was not prepared for such a burden. Two examples of this are modern day Disney and apple. The legacy of the good leaders are keeping the companies success but we see their predecessors struggling to continue the impact and innovation.

    • #11676

      Kamila Soopy
      Participant

      Frederick W. Smith definitely had a stronger background but he also did his fair share of hard-work, from joining the military and then graduating from a prestigious university. LeBron James and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, did not have the liberties Smith had, they worked very diligently  excelling in their respective fields at a younger age than many if not all of their peers.

      There was actually a lot more in common between a professional basketball player, the youngest woman elected to Congress, and an executive in one of the largest shipping companies in the USA than expected. What stood out the most is the discipline and the strive to take charge of their lives; to make a difference not only in their lives but the people around them.

      It feels more that the latter two would be more familiar to an average person; someone from a normal family working hard to make something of themselves; while the owner of Fedex, the son of an already established businessman seems quite far off. I also noticed, there’s also a bit of an age gap which I think also factors in considering how quickly things have been changing in even short time spans.

      It would probably be a little bit of both. Being born into it isn’t a shortcut to success, I think there are many examples in history of leaders who are born into their positions but are unable to succeed. Though not all people who put their best in get what they deserve, it definitely is an important role to becoming a good leader.

      • #11686

        Fatima Pichardo
        Participant

        Hello Kamila, i agree with the part about their “discipline and strive to take strive charge of their lives”. that’s definitely the most admirable thing. Its certainly very hard to achieve those characteristics.

      • #11690

        Anonymous
        Inactive

        There are many people who seem to be born with strong leadership, but there are also many people who have acquired more leadership skills through improvement. Leadership is a mixture of many abilities that contain many individual traits and the ability to think and manifest themselves as leaders, as well as the ability to lead others for the collective good. Anyone has the opportunity to be called a leader.

    • #11677

      Gabriel Aman
      Participant

      What do they have in common? What stands out about these individuals? What do you notice that is different? Write a response below explaining commonalities and differences.

      Given what you’ve learned about each of these entrepreneurs: do you think leaders are born or made? Why

      From all of these three successful leaders in their respective fields of politics,sports,and buisness having to achieve a hug stepping stone in there life and career making themselfs a role modle to the whole world. And to who ever conncets towards learing about becoming  a basketball player making to the NBA, becoming a congress women at a very young age. And becoming a american buisness executive from a wealthy childhood. What stood out to me the most is Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, during her 29th birthday she was emerged victorious in the general election becoming the youngest women ever to be elected to Congress.

      From getting background information we can all say these indviduals had a different lifes during there childhoods and dealt with different struggles but was yet to succeed into where ever there mindest was during there time of life. Then i asked myslef are leaders born or made and i say it can be both in certain outcomes wetaher you where born to have or not to have better education, resources given to you and money  being the sources of become finacialay stable.

    • #11680

      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I think leaders are born. Like talented athletes, musicians, and artists, there are people who are born with leadership skills and leadership qualities. But most people, who don’t have these innate talents, can become competent leaders, even if they don’t have the level of excellence if they are properly trained.

      After reading the biography about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from biography.com. I knew that Alexandria is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She is an ambitious, passionate, person. Power can be gained in her speech; she hopes to do her best to help those who need more help.  This is also related to her own experience. After she graduated and her father died, she became the pillar of the family.

      From the website Britannica.com about the biography of Frederick W. Smith, I could know that he is the founder, chairman, and CEO of FedEx Corporation. He is a very thoughtful person, and he will create and realize what he wants to accomplish based on his own experience. This made him who he is today.

      Among these 3 successful entrepreneurs, activists, and leaders, LeBron James is a name I’m most familiar with because he’s really famous. After reading the biography about LeBron James, it impressed me that he is a person of thinking and planning. Having a well-developed business mindset, he is good at making effective plans, setting goals, and working out the best way to achieve them.

    • #11682

      Jonathan Ahwireng
      Participant

      All of these individuals have a lot in common; they are successful and are viewed as leaders by many. A leader can be defined as someone that has at least one person following them but an exceptional leader has people flock to them. A great leader thinks outside of the box and attempts things that shock the people around them. People follow Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frederick W. Smith and Lebron James because they want to be a part of something amazing and achieve things the way they did.

      Frederick had a dream that many people thought was highly impossible, and for many that was probably true. In spite of most people’s doubt, Frederick’s dream turned into a multi-billion dollar company. He made sure every employee felt they could share in the success of the company. Lebron is a powerful well known figure and he is respected across the world. Many famous athletes have multi-million dollar businesses due to their name alone. However Lebron took a more innovative point of view. His life story was what made him stand out and be successful off the court even though he was so great on the court. Coming from a state of poverty nobody would have thought he would go all the way to the NBA and have success. Every leader has a story regardless of what they have been through or achieved in their life. I believe leaders can be both made and born.

       

      • #11688

        Syeed Salvant
        Participant

        Hey Jonathon, Although I responded by saying Leaders are Made I appreciate your point of view and the way you explained it. When LeBron James first began playing basketball no one could have foreseen him becoming one of the greatest basketball players ever on and off the court.

    • #11749

      Amanda Hines
      Participant

      In comparing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Frederick W. Smith, and Lebron James, they all shared a similar go-getter attitude and have worked hard to earn their current positions and continue to be disciplined in that aspect. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came from humble beginnings, a young Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx turned Congresswoman. Perseverance, passion, and politics made the once upon a time restaurant server into the youngest woman ever voted into Congress. Frederick W. Smith is another example of grit and determination. Medical setbacks in his early ages nor losing millions in his first years of opening Fedex did not stop Mr. Smitch into creating one of the largest, well-known shipping & printing services around the world. Lastly, Lebron James, arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I wont go on to specify his all time career stats, but Lebron James is widely known for his discipline and focus. He was driven from his early Highschool Basketball days and still his presence on the court is monumental and his success is proof of it. While the career choices of these leaders are all fundamentally different, all three of these leaders demonstrate what consistency and dedication to your craft can lead you.

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