Great leaders can enthuse others to work well and strive for a common goal. They are motivators who have a compelling desire that they want to fulfill. They also have a solid belief that they can make things happen. They inspire their team to take effective action, and they also have the iron will to see it through. A great leader recognizes every individual's need to take ownership of their role and responsibility.

-Inspired by Kelly Poulous of AsiaWorks--the powerful self actualization training that I was involved with for over a year in 1999

Following this advice can help you become
an effective leader, but an organizational leadership degree can
really help propel you in the workplace.

Compelling Desire

In order to lead, you have to be really passionate about it. You have to feel it in your blood and be truly emotionally connected to it. 

Keep asking yourself why you want this so much.

When you can answer this question, you will have the compelling desire, which is what I have learnt is the first and most important leadership trait. You have to be so passionate about your goal that you can infect the entire team with your passion. You have to be the one who keeps them going.

A great leader is able to communicate this desire and listen to their team members. Make sure you are able to “paint the picture of your desire in words.” Even ask your team to paint their picture. Communication is not only what you say, but it's also what others understand from what you have said.

So, a great leader knows how to listen and communicate effectively. Build an army, because you alone cannot move a mountain. However, once you get your first follower on board, you will create a juggernaut.

Solid Belief

This is what keeps you going even when things don’t seem to be going well. Having a strong belief that you will succeed no matter what will keep you and your team going when challenges come up. Just remember, any desire without any challenges is obviously too small. 

“The only person who never makes a mistake is the person who never does anything…!”- Theodore Roosevelt

Taking Effective Actions

Set out an action strategy that will create the outcomes you desire. Brainstorming and delegating effective action with clear objectives is crucial.

Remember, insanity means doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result. So, if you find that the results are not aligned with the expected outcomes, then you will need to adjust your actions as a group.

Be ready to make decisions, and have the passion and guts to stand up and take responsibility. Know that there are no failures, only feedback. If a particular course of action does not work, make adjustments from what you and the team have learned. A great leader is comfortable to admit that he may have misjudged a situation.

Iron Will

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength, but through persistence.” - Buddha.

When you feel you are weak-willed, go through the steps above again and your will find the strength.

What is Your Leadership Style?

Do you know what role you really play in the team? Apart from the title or position you have, there is an underlying role that you contribute to the team. So what's your leadership style? There are many leadership style assessments available in the market. 

Ask yourself: Who are your three favourite leaders? What attributes do they possess? Then try to emulate them and see if that works for you.

“Be public. Be easy to follow! There is no movement without the first follower. We're told we all need to be leaders, but that would be really ineffective. When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first person to stand up and join in.” - Derek Sivers