by Amon Karagara

Created on: March 11, 2009

A leader is a person who performs the role of influencing others to achieve certain goals and objectives in a group, organization or community. Not everyone can lead. One is either born as a leader or has the ability to learn to lead.

Leadership styles vary between different organizations and individuals. However, there are certain qualities that define a leader, irrespective of the organization or environment. Below, I present some of them:

Self confidence and inner strength. Leaders believe in their ability and power to influence others. Even if they consult others for opinions, they stand by their final decisions and judgment. They are not afraid of dealing with difficult situations in order to achieve the ultimate goals and objectives. They have strong mentalities about everything. Weak people do not make good leaders.

Enthusiasm and Charisma. Since a leader must inspire and motivate others to perform to their best, he/she should possess the kind of drive that moves people. People do not perform to their best if the leader is not hard working and charismatic enough to create the kind of passion that gets the work done.

Communication. A leader should be a good communicator, both in writing and in personal interactions, such as meetings, public speeches. Ideas, visions, goals, etc must be presented with clarity, and this requires a person with good communication skills. Excellence in public speaking is a big plus for leaders.

Integrity and attitude. How people perceive someone is important in whether he/she can be a leader. No one wants a leader with poor integrity in society. Therefore, leaders respect those around them and act in ways that are considered to be acceptable norms in society. People look at this when judging someone's ability to lead. A leader should also carry a positive attitude, with a great sense of humor, if he is to succeed in his organization or community.

A clear understanding and knowledge of the factors that affect the performance of a group, company, community or organization. In the case of a business, for instance, a leader must be knowledgeable of issues like the clients, market, suppliers, competition and a host of other factors that can influence the growth and/or decline of the organization. This will enable the leader to effectively guide others and formulate clear visions geared towards the organizational goals.

A leader accepts other people's ideas and opinions. He/she understands that even though the ultimate decision is in

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