Perceptions of Leadership My initial perceptions of leadership proved to actually be similar to the “accepted” perceptions of leadership as defined by Bennis. In my original answers to the Bennis questions, I stated that leaders are made, not born. However, I think the process starts shortly after birth. I stated that I feel certain people strive to become leaders while others do not. I thought that leaders were out to prove themselves, to show the world what they are made of and what they can “conquer.” Many of the original qualities I thought a leader should have included honesty, organization, intelligence, communication skills