I believe leadership qualities are a combination of innate characteristics and learned characteristics. However, the greater portion belongs to learned behavior. If we are speaking with regards to children, a child may learn from anyone they have met how to take command and direct others. At the same time, a child or a person at any stage in life, may experiment with being a leader and it worked out well, so they continued to display such qualities in their interactions. When it comes to managerial qualities in the work place, it stems from the person's personality and experiences throughout their lives. Certain ways of speaking, delegating, or methods can come from learning from one's previous managers, whether that be learning from mistakes or successes. Being a leader requires skills of handling problems, conflicts, and keeping people accountable. This is not as easy for someone who is timid, shy, or anti social. Surely a person of such qualities may be put into a leadership position, however, this does not mean they have the necessary skills. There are always exceptions to the rule. A leader also needs to have the quality of looking ahead and avoiding problems firsthand. This can only come from experience and learning from previous experiences.

I totally agree that project managers (PMs) aren’t traditional leaders but more like advisors or facilitators. They don’t make the actual decisions they just bring together different departments, align goals with the company’s interests, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Their role is more about helping teams communicate and figuring out who needs to be involved to solve issues efficiently. It’s less about direct leadership and more about strategic coordination.

As for the nature vs. nurture debate on leadership, I think leadership skills can be developed. Some people might have natural confidence or charisma, but real leadership comes from experience and adaptability. PMs, in particular, don’t need to be “born leaders” because their role isn’t about commanding people it’s about understanding business goals, organizing teams, and knowing how to navigate challenges. It’s a skill that can be learned through practice and exposure to different industries!

One important nuance I have always noticed is that it has never been "Nature or Nurture" but rather "Nature vs Nurture." It is not black or white, it is more comparable to grayscale. I think of it as a large game of Tug of War. Nature and Nurture are constantly pulling on opposite sides of the same rope. Sometimes, Nature gains the advantage and pulls a little harder than Nurture, and vice versa. Some instances you may be 70% Nature and 30% Nurture, but sometimes you may be 30% Nature and 70% Nurture. 

With this concept cleared up, it is important to say there are absolutely people who are more so "natural born leaders" who naturally possess characteristics desirable to a leader. Often, the majority of people are predominantly Nature, there have even been studies on identical twins separated at birth who display almost identical characteristics and behaviors later in life. However, someone who is not a natural born leader is not incapable of becoming a leader. It may not be so easy for them, but they can absolutely fan the flame of Nurture and become one. I believe that someone may certainly learn and lean into characteristics that make a good leader and work on the associated skills to get them there until Nurture practically becomes Nature for them.