It’s an age old discussion and one that is sure to elicit conversation over a glass of wine: are entrepreneurs born that way or can you make them?

I always think that it is interesting that no one ever asks: was Yo-Yo Ma born that way or did someone teach him? Obviously talent can drive someone to the top of the profession, whether it is music, dance or even swimming. So too the passion, perseverance and drive to succeed is important. After all, how many boring laps of the pool for how many long hours every day did Michael Phelps put in to win eight gold medals?

So perhaps entrepreneurship relies on both a set of skills and the talent to use them. Like the youngster at ballet class who is learning balance and posture or the person at the piano reading music and translating it to sound, skills can be taught. And these skills will better lives and bring enjoyment to many. But only a few will have the ability to take those skills and turn them into performances that are delivered with ultimate elegance and beauty.

We teach our children piano, flute and violin and put them in a pool to compete with others. Some very few blossom into concert virtuosos and win spots on an Olympic team. Will all children grow up to play at Carnegie Hall? No, but parents the world over make sure children are taught these skills.

So shouldn’t we teach entrepreneurship? Seeing the big picture, understanding all facets of a business and acquiring a few key sales skills should help anyone who will reside in the workforce.

Let us know what you think, leave a comment!