Leadership Is a Learned Skill

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

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.