“Effective leaders are made, not born." But is this really the truth?

"Inspirational" leadership quotes often have the same thinking at their foundation in that time, experience, struggle and growth are the making of effective leaders. Leadership is something that is developed as one journey through life and something that is less of a consideration for youth, as they are yet to expend the necessary time to learn the essential lessons which will make them the right kind of leaders. Colin Powell, the 65th United States Secretary of State has a famous quote which sums up the sentiment perfectly, "Effective leaders are made, not born. They learn from trial and error, and from experience.”

Is this really true anymore? Was this ever totally true? Has this thinking been used by millions and for decades all around the globe because it was simply convenient for those in leadership positions and as such, used to ensure that they remained there?

Trial and error, as well as experience which comes with the passage of time, are all great teachers but it is fair to say that they are not the only teachers. The world is constantly showing us that age does not equate to great leadership. With a fast moving and ever changing world, perhaps another famous saying of "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is just as relevant?

There are some incredible leaders around the globe who are creating positive change and leading nations without the "traditional" time and experience under their belts.

Gabriel Boric recently became Chile's youngest-ever president elect at 35, but that title on a global comparison is presently held by 27-year-old Giacomo Simoncini, one of the Captains Regent of San Marino, the tiny independent state in northern Italy.

Here is a list of other youthful leaders in power:

• Finland: Premier Sanna Marin who was appointed in 2019 aged 34.
• New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern was 37 years old when she was sworn in as prime minister in October 2017
• Kosovo: - Another woman leader, Vjosa Osmani, was elected president in April 2021 aged 38.
• Georgia: Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili was also 38 when he came to power in February 2021.
• Andorra: Former justice minister Xavier Espot Zamora became the head of government of the small territory between France and Spain in May 2019 aged 39.
• Costa Rica: Carlos Alvarado, a journalist and former labour minister, won elections to became president in May 2018 aged 38.

Perhaps it is time to rethink "inspirational" quotes on leadership? Perhaps it is time to rethink the need for leaders to already have the necessary experience that has come with struggle and the passage of time before they attempt to lead? Perhaps we could rather embrace and give opportunity in line with this quote from the American writer and Nobel Prize Winner Pearl S. Buck “The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.”