We all know leaders who stand out in a
crowd, who have risen to the top and who accomplish significantly more than their peers.
Let's examine some of the characteristics that make these leaders different
than the pack:
Clear Purpose - Leaders know why they exist, what they believe
and what their values are. Having a clear purpose gives them the energy and focus they
need to accomplish their goals and fulfill their vision. Effective leaders have a clear
purpose.
Self-control/
Self-discipline -
Often, leaders are
required to do things that ordinary people don't like to do. The truth of the
matter is, leaders probably don't like to do them either. The difference between a leader
and an ordinary person is that a leader does whatever it takes to accomplish the goal, and
many times this requires self-control and self-discipline. Effective leaders have
self-control and self-discipline.
Ability to Communicate - To achieve their goals and fulfill their vision,
leaders need to persuade others to take action on their ideas. This requires that they
think clearly, speak clearly and listen carefully. Effective leaders have the ability to
communicate.
Energy - Leaders
need the physical vitality and mental alertness that comes from a high level of energy.
Hard work, clear thinking, commitment and persistence require a high level of energy.
Leaders boost their energy through proper diet, nutrition, exercise, positive thinking,
rest, relaxation and an outside hobby or interest. Effective leaders have a high level of
energy.
To be a more effective leader, clarify your vision
and purpose. Develop a written and specific goals program. Develop your self-control,
self-discipline and ability to communicate. Maintain a high energy level by taking care of
your mind and body. Persist in all you do, and approach every challenge and opportunity
with a positive attitude. Do these things and you'll not only be different, but you'll
also make a difference.
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Vision -
Leaders have a clear picture of what they see their group becoming or doing in the future.
There's a difference between eyesight and vision. Vision is the ability to get meaning
from eyesight. Effective leaders have vision. 
Goal-Directed
- Leaders know where they stand,
where they're going and how they're going to get there. They realize that no one ever
accomplishes anything of consequence without a goal. They also realize that in order to
fulfill their vision, they need to set a series of goals that will help them to do so.
Effective leaders are goal-directed. 
Persistence -
There are only two reasons why most projects fail: not starting and not finishing. Leaders
finish what they start because they remember their vision, focus on their goals and
visualize their goals as already accomplished. They have the staying power and persistence
to follow through on their goals regardless of circumstances or what other people say,
think, or do. Effective leaders have persistence. 
Positive Attitude - Leaders look at how things can be done, not why they can't be done. They
look for ways over, around, or through obstacles. They have an "I will not be
denied" attitude. To paraphrase W. Clement Stone, "There is little difference
between ordinary people and leaders. The little difference is attitude. The big difference
is whether the attitude is positive or negative." Effective leaders have a positive
attitude. 
Last, but not least, it's the project manager's turn. "And
what would your wish be?" asked the genie. "I want them both back after
lunch" replied the project manager. 