Take Charge

The matter on leadership and genetics has been discussed and researched on for as long as the concept of leadership was created. Research efforts have been poured into exploring the link between the two. Are leaders born or made? This is going to sound cliché but until now, genetics is still considered a big factor in determining the formation of leaders. But not everyone thinks the same way. There could be some truth to it but factors such as experiences and social dynamics are also important in leadership. There is no single factor that will determine the person’s ability to lead. Each factor is important up to a certain extent.

Some scientists feel strongly about genetic and biological factors and their link with leadership. The interest in the link between genetics and leadership are sparked by people from the same family that assume leadership positions in society. The Kennedys and the Bush family are two examples. More than genetics, science is also looking at biological and physical traits that leaders possess. There are studies that show how genetics contribute to the physiological and psychological functions of a person. These will eventually affect the person’s cognitive and behavioral traits, which determine if the person is fit for leadership. Hormones and chemical changes in the body affect a person’s cognitive functioning, a very important aspect of leadership. When it comes to leadership, it’s always a question about nature vs. nature. However, both are intertwined with each other and cannot be separated. Leadership cannot be discussed without considering both at the same time. Case in point would be chemical and hormonal changes in the body that will affect the disposition of the person. The disposition will affect the attitude and behavior, which are huge factors in leadership. An example would be a person that is suffering from a bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder tend to exhibit very drastic mood swings, easily switching from euphoria to depression. There are several causes of bipolar disorder, including neurotransmitters that are hereditary. Their bipolar tendencies will affect their personality, which will affect their leadership style. This is not to say that bipolar people are not capable leaders. In fact, the greatest leaders in the world were reportedly bipolar (e.g. Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Napoleon Bonaparte). Their drastic mood swings, however, may have negative effects on their leadership and establishing trust with their followers.