Recognising ‘True’ Leadership: The Theory of Natural Born Leadership

Abstract

This paper presents a new leadership theory which challenges the premise that leaders are born or made, and that some people are great leaders while others are not. The paper is founded on the belief that everyone is born a leader and that circumstances, our development and our opportunities in life develop our leadership ontology. Founded on the notions of courage, conviction and balance, Natural Born Leadership theory (NBL) separates leadership from notions of power, the need for followers, and a predetermined position or sphere of influence, and grounds it firmly within the individual, their ontology and their aspirations. Based on theoretical development stemming from years of working in, working with, and observing behaviours in competitive and collaborative sports, the theory presented in this paper is now being utilised in business coaching and having a truly transformational impact.