Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned

Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned

Harold S. Geneen, a renowned American businessman and former CEO of ITT Corporation, once famously said, “Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.” This statement has sparked much debate and discussion among scholars, business leaders, and educators alike. While some may argue that leadership can indeed be taught through formal education and training programs, others believe that true leadership qualities are innate and can only be developed through real-life experiences and challenges.

Geneen’s words suggest that leadership is not something that can be simply acquired through textbooks or lectures. Instead, it is a skill that must be honed through practice, observation, and reflection. True leaders are those who have faced adversity, made tough decisions, and learned from their mistakes. They have developed the ability to inspire and motivate others, to communicate effectively, and to adapt to changing circumstances. These qualities cannot be taught in a classroom; they must be cultivated through hands-on experience.