For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANSPONSOR NEWSDash daily newsletter.
Can Leaders be 'Grown?'
The study, from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, found that children whose parents set clear limits and behavior expectations but were also supportive of their offspring were the most likely to turn into leaders both at work and elsewhere.
According to a news release, children are most likely to take on leadership positions if they are allowed by their parents to challenge their boundaries. “This gives the children an opportunity to learn why the rules are in place and then learn from their parents how to achieve their goals without breaking the rules,” the news release said.
The study was based on data from a long-term study of twins in Minnesota.
The news release saidthe study adds more weight to the idea that leaders are raised more than they are born, since behavioral genetics has shown that innate factors account for only 30% of who will end up in leadership positions and people’s leadership styles.
The researchers concluded: “Specifically, a pattern
seems to be emerging in this literature and the current
study, that reinforcing challenging thinking and behavior
may not be all bad. Indeed, reinforcing challenging
behavior coupled with supportive parenting may help
accelerate the positive emergence and development of
leadership potential and behavior. This line of thinking
supports the notion that parents have a responsibility to
not always make things clear and easy for children.
Pushing them towards the boundaries of what they must
consider right versus wrong, may prepare them for more
difficult dilemmas they will no doubt have to confront
later on in adulthood.”
The study report is available here .