One million dollar question has always been: are leaders born or are they made? John Riordan’s answer is …“Yes.” Yes as in both. There are two groups of leaders he says. The first type is the one that steps in and takes the wheel. These people are the “Type A” personalities. Very driven. The ones that step to the front of the line. However, having the instinct to go first doesn’t necessarily make an effective leader. Then there is the second group. “The rest may not have the instinct [to take the lead], but can expand [their] capacity to influence others to their desired end.” John is no stranger to expanding his capacity and leading others. In 1990 he embarked on a journey to Uganda, East Africa. What began as a three month trip turned into an eight year investment in the future of a nation struggling to overcome a tragic history of genocide, racism, and anarchy. Witnessing the catastrophic condition of that nation, John and two colleagues developed a vision for a community that would build a new generation of leaders to guide the future of Uganda. What emerged from this vision was Cornerstone Leadership Academy – a comprehensive boarding school experience for young adults focusing on leadership, character, spiritual, and intellectual development. Taking what he learned and developed back to the U.S., today, John still helps train and coach people to discover who they are. The first step is to “discover strengths, weaknesses, and personality style. Then add skill, so [one] can utilize [their full potential] towards influencing others. That combination is very powerful.” You can learn more about John Riordan and Cindy Zook Associates at www.cindyzook.com
