I believe that leaders come from all walks of life. I believe some leaders are natural born leaders and just seem to "get it" from the beginning. These types of leaders do not need to follow as much before taking on more responsibility and leadership roles.
I also believe that all leaders are built. Even the natural born leaders always have something to improve on. All leaders at all levels always have at least one aspect they can improve on. So all leaders learn knowledge and leadership qualities from watching others or from schooling, or mentoring or whatever other way they decide to hone their leadership qualities.
I do however agree that most leaders do have to follow before they can lead though.
The ability to lead can be taught. At least in the sense that what to look for and how to respond. However it is when something unpredictable happens that a leader gets everyone to relax and remember their training.
An extraordinary leader goes beyond the book and does so intuitively. That little voice in the head gives them the ability to think under stress and what to do. That part is the part that can't be taught.
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
William Shakespeare
The above quote is how I feel about life and leadership SGM Finin.

