What does it take to be a leader? Why are some people natural-born leaders while some just aren’t? How do you identify a diamond in the rough? These are all great questions, but there are agreed upon answers about qualities which all leaders possess, and which all leaders are looking for in their followers, because to find a new leader is a wonderful gift.
There are certain qualities found in all leaders, whether they have risen to the challenge of leadership themselves, or are waiting for the right time in their lives to be asked, pulled or pushed, or whatever it may take for them to look within and find these qualities within themselves. Here are some of the most sought after qualities that make up a great leader.

A leader has vision to see the big picture; the grand scope that includes the needs and desires of all their followers. Yet, the vision must be clear with achievable goals, and it must be acted upon with focus and determination. Analysis paralysis is a beacon of the demise of any project. A true leader is decisive and acts upon these decisions. They act with consistency and dedication to their ideals and can withstand the assaults and undermining perpetrated by their critics, who become more numerous with greater success.
A leader has great communication skills and knows how to build a winning team. Leadership is not taken, inherited, demanded or assumed, is bestowed upon someone by those who choose to follow them. It is because the chosen one can talk to them on their terms and say the things that they want to hear and know. It is because the leader knows how to reach their followers and give them what they need. It is from these devoted and committed followers that the great leader will choose a great team for solid support.
A leader has honesty and integrity, as experienced through deeds and actions, dedication to the task at hand, is generous and kind, and leads with humility. However, a leader has the ability to inspire others to follow the master plan and rise to the challenges of completing assigned tasks with the highest quality in the agreed upon timeframe. This quality must be mediated with openness and fairness, yet with the assertiveness needed to accomplish the tasks and to motivate others to achieve their goals. A leader must know how to evaluate one’s work and abilities and how to give positive feedback to foster growth and development.
Above all, a leader has a great sense of humor and knows when to use it to create a relaxed atmosphere and to relieve the stress that grows within a high energy team that is focused, dedicated and driven to complete the plan and deliver upon their goals.
Seek and you shall find. Leaders come forward when the need is greatest. Not every decision will be right, and not every action will have the desired result, but a leader makes decisions and takes action, and that is what it takes to attain a goal.
Having stated what qualities a leader has and uses to their best ability, I have found such a leader in Drew Berman…
From the office of Drew Berman, contributed by Seth Lefferts.

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Seth recently found alignment in my leadership style and his desire for growth and direction. Take a good look at where you are and where you’re going. Are you finding the direction you need? Look back over time. Are you growing as a person and as the leader you need to be? Take the opportunity to learn from tested experience. Schedule some time in my calendar and see how it’s done!