2 out of 3 Russians think that a person can only be a naturally born leader, while 30% of people think it’s possible to develop the necessary qualities to lead.

Born leaders vs. developing leadership qualities

A recent survey by WCIOM.ru showed that the majority of Russians still believe one could only be born with certain qualities, rather than viewing the personality as something an individual has the ability to improve and develop.

When asked about leadership, 64% of respondents stated that only certain people who are gifted by nature have the ability to guide or organize others. It’s less than before: 70% of respondents supported this view in 2010; 66% of the participants stated so in 2018.

The opposite point of view stating that anyone if able to develop the necessary qualities to lead is supported by 30% of participants. In 2020 only 10% of participants believed it was possible to improve the ability to organize and inspire others.

• Only 15% of respondents said they had the experience of leading others.
• Further 34% stated they can take a leadership role in a group of friends.
• 47% of participants never took a leadership role upon themselves. From these people, only 5% would like to do it, while 42% don’t even wish to try, thinking it’s not for them.

Fatalism is typical for the majority of Russians, many of whom believe all events in their lives are predetermined and there is nothing they can change. However, such views are becoming less prevalent, as the survey demonstrated.

Qualities of a leader

When asked about most important traits of a good manager, which would characterize an ideal leader, Russians named honesty (22%), competence (19%), and caring about people (15%) as the top-3 features.

• Being fair scored 11% of votes.
• Purposeful/ambitious is seen as one of the top-3 leadership traits by 7% of respondents.
• The same share of participants (7%) named responsibility.
• Kindness, integrity, and people’s skills scored 6% of votes each.
• 4% of participants named such personal traits as: wisdom, hard work, ability to lead, quick thinking, willpower, and strictness.

When asked what could assist a person to become a leader, 50% of respondents think it would be a carefully selected team of like-minded people. 38% think that talent is required, while 35% of respondents believe that special education and knowledge can assist.

Many Russians also think that to become a manager a person needs money (17%) and connections (16%), while only 12% of respondents pointed out to the skills to influence the behaviour of others.

Seeking a leader

When looking for a partner, Russian women usually want a “natural leader”. In a relationship, ladies from Russia prefer the man to lead, starting from the very start.

Thus, knowing which qualities a good leader should have, as highlighted above, is useful when you describe your personality.

• The best way to tell women about your personality is to give an example: Tell a story from your life that shows you have this quality. That’s by far a more convincing option as compared to simply proclaiming it.
• When starting a relationship with a woman from Russia, keep in mind she would prefer you to have a plan and pull ahead. Don’t expect her to lead.
• Take action. Actions speak louder than words.

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