PASSION

Have you ever really looked at the persons you know of who are great leaders? I'm talking about those individuals that have an almost infectious nature which seems to ignite a fire in those around them and pondered the question "How do they do it?" You just can't help but be in "Ah!" of their positive energy! They appear to have an "It" factor that every one picks up on and wishes to emulate. They are almost always in a good and jovial mood and it is quite evident that they have "The Midas Touch!" because nearly all they choose to involve themselves with turns to gold.

Their professional associates have not only a great respect for them, they often appreciate the relationships they share with these "Leaders" in a very genuine and regarding manner. These types of individuals also have a strong and loving bond with their children and spouse. They have a very close-knit circle of friends with whom they share their joy of living on many levels -on a regular basis. From Happiness to Tragedy, they never seem to "Jump Ship" no matter how rough the waters or how turbulent the winds, and they always are there to save the day with a warm word of encouragement or a kind gesture in times of trouble.

Although it could be explained away as "Some people have all the luck!" I believe that there is so much more to it than that. I believe that these types of individuals have a certain kind of integrity about the way they conduct themselves around others that creates a Win-Win situation for all. To elaborate further on this I want to point out the fact that these "Leaders"...

1.) ALWAYS share the glory for a job well done and they give all the credit to the network of people involved in the successful outcome when things are running smoothly... however, these stand-out leaders will solely take on full responsibility -holding only themselves accountable when things go awry, and they meet with failure.

2.) They have a strong sense of "Loyalty" and "Commitment" in all they do.

3.) They have yet a stronger understanding of "Right" and "Wrong".

4.) They will not waiver in their "Perseverance"", nor will they "Conform" to the masses.

5.) "Failure" is not only missing from their vocabulary, It is never even in their mind-set.

6.) Character is their barometer -it guides them in all they do.

7.) They truly stand in line with the very definition of the word "Integrity" -as being the firm adherence to a code or standard of "Values" and this is the only mode in which they operate.

I believe if you not only validate the important characteristics of the principles expressed above, but align your actions and behaviors -as well as your reactions and responses to these ideas you will change everything in your life in the long run, and become a "Leader" yourself! It also becomes possible for you to see that it all must be within us...or all will be without us. Life is not really about "Him","Her","They","Them","We",or "Us" before it is about "Me" and "I". I think that far too many people attempt to "Fill" their lives with Outside Rewards. Those "Rewards" range from the material, to the acquired, all the way to certain persons we become enamored with from the realm of friendship to the intimately romantic. When someone tries to rely on these "Outside" distractions -they often come up short in their sense of contentment and happiness...after all, isn't "Happiness" really an inside job? Isn't it really our own to create -or dispel? To cherish or to dismiss? Isn't that the impression you get from a real leader -that they too have figured this out for themselves? Don't you get the idea that "Leaders" know "How to happily achieve-vs-achieve to be happy!" and that fact also sets these folks out from the rest?

Perhaps the ultimate sign of true leader is his or her "Wisdom". Maybe being in union with the key factors outlined in this article along with really learning how to apply them in every venue of our lives -and by example we can all hold ourselves to a new and clearer way of being and becoming. Maybe, just maybe, the door to leadership is open to all those not only pursuing a greater outcome, but hoping also to never forget the great pleasure of the journey! We can all become the Great Leaders of our own lives while inspiring others to do the same! I for one believe just merely giving credence to the Idea of this has potential for igniting a fire within that can lead us forward in much the same way as true "Leader" would. Now... how's that for a good place to start?