The traits of natural leaders, such as charisma, empathy and supportiveness, have been found to be linked to genes by a team of researchers from Aston University in Birmingham, the Institute of Psychiatry in London and the University of Pittsburgh in the United States. The team searched for the genes that may lead to traits held by those who are “transformational leaders”, one of the most powerful types of leaders known, who base their effectiveness as leaders on their social skills. Transformational leaders inspire their workers to reach their maximum potential through motivation that comes from their charisma, individual consideration and intellectual stimulation.The team searched for the genes that make the brain chemicals dopamine, which is linked to empathy, and serotonin, which is linked to emotion. The genes catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) which both occur in several forms, were pinpointed as the two main genes linked to dopamine and serotonin synthesis. To test whether these genes are in fact responsible for good leadership skills, around 115 students sat a leadership questionnaire and had genetic tests run from swabs of the inside of their cheeks. Those students who had higher scores on the scales measuring transformational leadership characteristics were found to have the dopamine linked gene, while those who do not show leadership skills did not have the gene. Furthermore, students who were found to have one of the inefficient forms of the dopamine gene were unable to show effective charisma.
It is hoped that this information will be important for training more effective leaders for roles such as managers and politicians.
Original article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145386.php
10th April 2009
Picture from:
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2000/med-1.jpg
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145386.php
10th April 2009
Picture from:
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2000/med-1.jpg
