SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

The Great Leadership Debate: Nature or Nurture?

Are leaders born, or are they made? In my world, shaped by the winds of the Royal Navy and the whirls of storytelling, I’ve come to believe it’s a bit of both. But here’s the thing: having leadership qualities doesn’t automatically mean you’re a good leader. It’s more complex than that.

The Rarity of Good Leadership

My time in the Royal Navy gave me a unique vantage point to observe leadership in various forms. I even found love in this setting (check out my post about this forbidden romance). I’ve been lucky enough to have dabbled in leadership roles, from the Army Cadets to naval training, both of which shaped my understanding of what effective leadership entails.

I’ve encountered numerous leaders throughout my career, but only a handful impressed me as truly good leaders. My husband, Jez, is undoubtedly one of them! The traits that made these few stand out are the qualities I’ve woven into the characters of my Deniable Unit series. You can’t exactly have crappy leaders running a militaristic spy unit.

Characteristics of a Good Leader: Adam Dekker’s Example

So, what sets apart a meh leader from the good ones? It’s the wee things, the daily grind stuff. Take Adam Dekker, the hero of Running the Asset. He’s not your average shouty commander.

Adam exemplifies firmness balanced with fairness, decisive action coupled with open-mindedness, and an unwavering respect for his team’s skills and suggestions. He never asks his guys to do anything that he wouldn’t be willing to do himself.

But here’s what really counts – he owns up to his mistakes. In a world where passing the buck is the norm, taking responsibility is a rare and admirable trait. Adam’s loyalty isn’t just a word in his dictionary; it’s his guiding principle.

Share Your Leadership Insights

What about you? Have you met leaders who left a mark on you? Or maybe you’ve been in those shoes, making tough calls and standing by your team. I’d love to hear your stories of leadership, the good, the bad, and the inspiring. Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Till next time, stay awesome,

Susan x