Leaders, who are they?

I had an interesting question from an international client whom has a company of 830 people. This call was a couple of weeks ago and she asked me a great question; “what is that leaders do that makes them who they are so easily?”
My answer to her was this:

Leaders don’t wait for someone to give direction, leaders pinpoint with certainty what the purpose and the outcome is going to be no matter what happens. They are people whom demand respect from others but not without giving respect first to those who are in the arena with them.  Leaders are people whom are always ready and willing to contribute and empower people with the right skills for the tasks in front of them. Leaders are people whom see the silver lining to every storm cloud and are willing to admit when they were wrong, but quick to praise the ones that are right. Leaders have followers that create a passion and drive in their team that only success will become inevitable.  Leaders will find ways to make people feel like they are part of a team that has purpose and meaning.

The greatest leaders I have been privileged to be around are unique because they have all taught me: do what you love to do with honesty, integrity, and determination. Never sacrifice your team for personal gain. And always give praise to the accomplishments your team has performed.