Chennai, April 2017: Unlike conventional belief, leadership can be taught and learnt, said Ms Anuradha Oza at a seminar on the ‘Science of Leadership’ held at MSSRF.  While psychometric tests could give an indication of inborn traits, leadership is ultimately a science, she said.

While one school of thought believes that leadership is a trait that one is born with, there is another that believes it to be a set of behaviours. By tweaking certain behaviours, people can be groomed to become leaders. Behaviour outweighs talent, when it comes to leadership, she emphasized. Coaching and mentoring, as well as positive feedback also play a vital role in nurturing leadership.

Ms Oza highlighted how the brain is a versatile organ, and can be continuously modified. Learning happens throughout one’s lifetime she said, pointing out how just controlling one’s breath can create different brain patterns, which have been proven with science.

The audience raised many questions, resulting in a lively discussion. Prof Swaminathan, speaking on the occasion spoke of the leadership qualities of rural women, who display such skills despite the odds they face. Such women should be recognized and rewarded, he said.

The talk was attended by scientists, researchers and other invitees.