Best Careers for Natural Leaders

There is a fine line between a career and an occupation. An occupation is work that basically, as the word says, occupies your time and puts money in your pocket to pay the bills. A career, on the other hand, potentially requires greater focus and an eye on an ultimate vocational objective. Both are admirable and imperative to the smooth operation of any culture or society.

What are some careers for those persons who have natural leadership tendencies? Let's explore some outstanding possibilities.

Education
The absurd dictum, "He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches"(1) was basically birthed by the schism between athletic and intellectual motivations, and is truly a statement made by those who are intimidated by strong leadership skills . The following jobs require high leadership aptitudes:
- Public School Administrator
- Public School Teacher
- College Dean or Professor
- Athletic Coach

Theology and Church Leadership
It is difficult to emphasize these careers without potentially violating the secular mandates set forth in our Constitution. Hence, this advice comes with this disclaimer: Not only do these careers take amazing leadership skills — they also requires a thick skin against public critique, both human and spiritual.

Medical Field
Not all medical careers require great leadership skills ; some are essential jobs that are totally behind-the-scenes (i.e. laboratory and specific medical pathology). However, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and those who work not only with patients, but also with other professionals, must have proficient leadership skills. A mistake can cost a human life, or at best, litigation that can cost a fortune; decision making is paramount.

Commercial Pilot or Ship Captain
Pilots and ship captains tend to have very strong personalities often to the point of controlling. Whereas a medical professional might cause the death of a patient if there is a mistake, these professionals can cause statistically alarming losses of life with one error, including the pilot or captain as well. Nevertheless, the income and professional perks that come with these vocations are remarkable. These professions require strong innate leadership skills and an ability to make immediate and analytical decisions.

Performing Arts and JournalismThese two professions would make a great Venn diagram topic! Both are extremely competitive for those desiring these careers. It goes without saying that it takes perseverance and ability to handle missed or denied opportunities. Journalists and actors alike must tolerate doors slammed in their faces. However, those who do succeed are omnipresent in the public's eye and thereby must become icons that lead, hopefully in a positive direction.

Industrial and Business Management
This is a massive category that includes the management of large populations of work colleagues almost entirely in a "blue-collar" domain. If management has poor leadership skills, production and employee morale will suffer and cause immediate human resources problems. Sam Walton's vision of his retail giant WalMart was successfully grounded in the foundation that happy associates (not employees) will make for high production and sustainability. WalMart continues to be one of our country's most successful giants, even after Sam Walton's death . His leadership skills have continued beyond the grave.

Lead the Way
Upon entering the workforce, each person should know their own personal learning , leadership, and production aptitudes. The internet is full of great leaders who have coined varied versions of the statement, "Find something you love to do, and then do it." It appears to be the advice of many a successful leader.

(1) George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionists: Education. Man and Superman, 1903.