Can leadership be taught or learned?

I would definitely say both. Inevitably, some people are born leaders. They have a level of confidence and expertise which makes them easy to follow as they inspire respect, loyalty and admiration. From an employee's perspective, working for a consummate leader, i.e., a good boss, is both inspiring and motivating.

However, certain individuals may surprise themselves and others by their innate ability to lead - perhaps a talent of which they were unaware. With the right coaching, encouragement and guidance, less obvious candidates can also become excellent leaders. On occasions, this gentler approach can engender even better results and greater levels of confidence in the work-force than when working under someone whose style is perhaps more authoritarian.