Born leaders

Innate behaviour that dictates our leadership style is determined partly by our genes, according to a study by an international research team based at Aston University. More than 100 students participated in the study, which showed that "transformational leadership" - a dynamic, social style of management - was exhibited by those with a common dopamine gene. "This research is exciting," said Carl Senior, senior lecturer in psychology at Aston and leader of the team. "It shows we may have at least some genetic propensity for one or another kind of leadership style." The knowledge could improve the training offered to leaders, he added.