Running Head: ARE GREAT LEADERS BORN OR THEY ARE MADE?

Are Great Leaders Born or They Are Made

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ARE GREAT LEADERS BORN OR THEY ARE MADE? 2

Are Great Leaders Born or They Are Made?

A leader refers to an individual who has the capability of influencing others to attain an outcome

that is desired for. How leaders conduct, this is termed as their style of leadership and involves Commented [G1]: Inserted: ,
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various perspectives between different people. It is worthwhile noting that some leaders show a Commented [G5]: Deleted:in order
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form that is charismatic whereas some exhibit a transformation aspect. However, as much as
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these styles of leadership are aimed at helping us to understand the leadership techniques of
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various people, the element of what makes a leader great is not addressed. The reason is that Commented [G9]: Deleted:on

there is no precise observation on whether leaders are born, or they are made. Commented [G4]: Inserted: ,

Our essay is going to be based on Olson's case study, and our core emphasis is the

analysis of the strategies on leadership that is involved. Else, the organization’s leadership Commented [G10]: Inserted: ,
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techniques that emphasize flexibility, promotion of sustainability and appropriate change Commented [G12]: Deleted:are

management and different goals of the organization are considered. What is insufficient is Commented [G13]: Deleted:on

evidence to enough to support the answer (Olson, 2009).

Leadership that Transforms the Organization

To make important impacts, the leadership element plays a very important role in the Commented [G14]: Inserted: nt
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organization as in the case of Bay Area Medical Center. Olson says that in February 1999, Commented [G16]: Inserted: imp
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mistrust was a major incidence at the hospital organization and it posed a negative impact
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regarding development. Competition led to the uncertainty of the hospital’s future since due to
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poor leadership, it was not easy to attain space needs for diagnostics and surgeries involving Commented [G18]: Inserted: ding
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outpatients (Olson, 2009). The board of directors of the hospital 0rganization together with the Commented [G20]: Inserted: r
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employees had greater anxiety in the non-supporting environment that entailed leadership in the Commented [G26]: Deleted:in t
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Bay Area Medical Center. Leadership transformation was very crucial to sustaining the
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ARE GREAT LEADERS BORN OR THEY ARE MADE? 3

reputation of the hospital that was growing to be negative. Thus, successful efforts in initiating Commented [G21]: Inserted: ing
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the transformation were to bridge the gap of communication and gaining confidence by coming

up and developing a plan that is strategic.

Bridging the Communication Gaps in Leadership

In May 1999, upon being appointed as the CEO of the BAMC organization, he talked about his Commented [G31]: Deleted:the month of

leadership strategies of bridging the gap of communication with the community and the medical Commented [G30]: Inserted: ed
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staff. The key emphasis was to come up with a relationship that is open and integrity in the

aspect of communication within the medical care. Therefore, the techniques developed in the

case study were all aimed at ensuring that everybody was suited to the channel of

communication and that there was freedom of expression (Cohen, 1998).

Strategic planning that is Collaborative

The organization plan of BAMC was seen to have been developed in 1995 with its

initiatives outlined completed in 1998. The author says that he the gains involved in his role as a

leader were disputed and the future success was not likely to happen unless a solid plan that is

new is created. Therefore, a strategic planning process was crucial in the attempt to regain the

confidence of the company's stakeholders. Progress reports ensured a high level of trust in the Commented [G35]: Deleted: foe

progress regarding leadership techniques (Cohen, 1998). Commented [G33]: Inserted: regard
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Leadership Principles

In any organization, indications exist, and the argument is that specific principles are

available in any transformation entailing organizational leadership. The principles outlined in the Commented [G37]: Inserted: ,

case study concerning the universal laws of leadership include;

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ARE GREAT LEADERS BORN OR THEY ARE MADE? 4

 One should maintain high integrity to win the trust of people.

 A leader requires having competencies in a specific area of practice.

 Leaders that are strong should always declare their expectations.

 Leaders should illustrate a commitment that is uncommon. Commented [G38]: Inserted: a

 A good leader should take good care of the people he serves. Commented [G40]: Deleted:A

 Leaders should put the interests of the organization first.

 A leader should set the pace for others to follow. Commented [G41]: Inserted: the

Conclusion

It is worth noting that the personal experience involved in leadership that is perceived to be

successful entails a high personal commitment level from a leader and requires a process that is

strong (Cohen, 1998).Therefore, it becomes clear that leaders who are great are first born and

then made in the gradual process.

References

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ARE GREAT LEADERS BORN OR THEY ARE MADE? 5

Cohen, W. A. (1998, December 21). "Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born.". Retrieved

September 9, 2009, from Network World:

www.stuffoheroes.com/Great%20Leaders%20are%20Made,%20Not%20Born.htm

Olson, D. A. (2009). Are Great Leaders Born, or Are They Made? Frontiers of Health Services

Management, 27-28.