It's long been a common argument the old chestnut of believing genius are made, not born. Morey Stettner recently revisited this conundrum using Bob Duggan as an example of the latter to support the theory that genius can in fact be taught.
Morey pointed out that Mr Duggan is a fan of Alfred Barrios, who in 1980 identified 24 personality traits that geniuses share. Noting this level of alignment, Mr Duggan implemented a training program within his company (Pharmacyclics), that availed his staff members the opportunity to learn these traits. Whilst not compulsory, it is reasoned that all staff members have taken up the offer with vigor and enthusiasm.
An interesting fact is that there is also another Bod Duggan who shares the same willingness to explore areas that are not so mainstream, and then extend an opportunity to share with others. In an article entitled How to speak Fluent "Museum", Bob Duggan took the time to educate those who are not so endearing to the world of art (such as myself I might add). The article allowed a unique insight into how a different understanding can in fact be learned and appreciation replace disinterest. Who knew such a thing could be taught?
Finally I'd like to share how the same concept can allow someone to be super successful. Chelsea Berler, today, is a very successful CEO of her own company. This was not always the case, in fact at one stage Chelsea was literally living on food stamps. In her own words Chelsea shares that she learned how to be successful by way of implementing, failing, and implementing again, despite setbacks and feelings of despair. This in itself is a cycle of learning that directly coincides with the personality traits identified by Barrios such as drive, courage and optimism just to name a few.
The argument of genius as a learned skill will forever be debated, however it cannot be denied that these super successful people have the trait in spades.