Leadership Is a Learned Skill
Entrepreneur US|July - August 2022
We often think of leadership as a natural talent, but like most things, it improves with practice. Take it from me: Ten years ago, I was a terrible leader.
ADAM BORNSTEIN
Leadership Is a Learned Skill

Q I'm a great worker, but my leadership abilities are lackluster. What's the best place to start improving?

-JEFF, SAN FRANCISCO

ARE LEADERS born or made? It's a classic question, and the answer is usually: both.

Some people possess natural talents that inspire teams and drive big decisions. But most leadership isn't about intuition; it's about experience. It's learning how to build, connect with, and empower a team. Those skills can be learned and I would know because when I first took on a leadership role, I didn't have them. To be honest, I was a terrible leader.

I knew how to create value and generate revenue, which was enough when I was a solopreneur-but not when I added employees. My wife worked with me initially, and it took her quitting, in part because of my dismal leadership, for me to take a hard look in the mirror.

This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Entrepreneur US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Entrepreneur US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ENTREPRENEUR USView All
Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow
Entrepreneur US

Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow

Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March - April 2024
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
Entrepreneur US

MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

time-read
1 min  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
Entrepreneur US

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
Entrepreneur US

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
Entrepreneur US

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
Entrepreneur US

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Serving the Underserved
Entrepreneur US

Serving the Underserved

When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
When Life Is Preparation
Entrepreneur US

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Entrepreneur US

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
Entrepreneur US

WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER

For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Spring 2024