Understand leadership.

A Thought About Leaders Warren Bennis, Ph.D. said, “Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing.”

Who Is A Leader? A leader is a person who: Guides Directs or Commands other persons, teams, or groups into achieving a common goal.

What Is Leadership? The ability of an individual to: influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organizations of which they are members.

Traits of Successful Leaders Accomplished leaders demonstrate unique traits that set them apart. Some examples of these traits follow.

Traits of Successful Leaders Be Visionary: work in the present, learning from the past and looking to the future. Communicate your vision to those you lead. Be evaluative—continually re-evaluate the vision. Involve staff in revising the vision. Plan how to achieve the vision--be a good planner.

Traits of Successful Leaders Be Passionate (have very strong feelings about your leadership and what you do) Inspire passion in your employees—be inspiring, influencing others. Be enthusiastic—love your work!

Traits of Successful Leaders Be a Good Decision-maker Make decisions quickly, but not hastily. Be quietly competent and know the business thoroughly. Be committed to your decision, but be flexible and adaptable. Be analytical and thoughtful in making decisions.

Traits of Successful Leaders Be a Team Builder—build a great team. Delegate responsibility—help employees grow. Listen and learn from employees—be interested in feedback. Inspire confidence in employees. Share the glory—give others due recognition and reward their efforts.

Traits of Successful Leaders Have a Good Work Ethic: Be organized Be resourceful Be open-minded and open to change Be consistent

Traits of Successful Leaders Have Good Character Be honest and trustworthy Have empathy for others Have a good sense of humor Be respectful of others