A common misconception is that leadership and the presence of a title go hand in hand - Far too often we find individuals who believe that the right of superiority is based on position or title, not earned respect.

Great leaders earn their merit through such factors as accomplishments, personality, ideas, creativity, vision, compassion and passion, while many others believe that a title reigns regardless of their ability to perform and act. These individuals follow their own rules: rules that in most cases are more detrimental to any organization than productive.

Leaders are people who create the future. These individuals have the charisma, energy and stamina to make the impossible happen and to have others believe in the same goals and dream. In essence, leaders also must have followers.
Looking to be a leader? Look inside. Here's a starter list.

1. Do you motivate through actions or do you use your position to create action? Leaders create action even when not present. Sam Walton the founder of Wal-Mart was known to travel in a old truck and lead a very simple life. However, everyone who knew him respected him for his talents and accomplishments. One not always has to tell their accomplishments to be noticed. Experiment with different styles for a period of a week or two and see the results.

2. Do you let self starters or performers perform or is it important that things be done your way? One way to alienate talented people is to insist that they conform to your style of getting the job done. The firm may have hired the individual for the same traits that you may be discouraging. Make a list of your achievers, give them direction and let them report back (but don't over-control them).

3. Are issues such as following the rules more important than accomplishing the tasks? Some areas of business concern are mission critical or time sensitive leaving little room for learning experiences. However, when individuals use their natural talents to achieve superior results, let them ride. Task-oriented leaders may one day be replaced by technology. Try to think more about what and why your job exists. Try to add value to the customer with the shortest amount of work. Challenge yourself and your team to be 1% better tomorrow instead of challenging them to live up to you. When people feel what they do is for a greater good or themselves they perform better.

4. Are you the problem or the solution? It's difficult to be objective as to our own faults, but many people aspiring to be leaders don't act the role. Your own self education is the key to becoming stronger. In the martial art of Tae Kwon Do, the black belt is considered the beginning of learning, not the pinnacle. Continue to grow so that you may get out of your own way.

Roll up your sleeves and take a good look at your style of leadership and your performance. Leadership is tough work. It takes the development of many talents and skills, including decision making tactics, learning how to read others, communication skills (which includes listening), vision and wisdom to name a few. Think about some of the great leaders in history. Whether you agree with their philosophies or not, they had the ability to make things happen in unheard of circumstances and even across continents without a cell phone and email.

© MM David & Lorrie Goldsmith

David and Lorrie Goldsmith are managing partners of MetaMatrix Consulting Group, LLC. Their firm offers consulting and speaking services internationally including clients from Fortune 200 to international associations. David also has named by Successful Meetings Magazine as one of the Hottest Speakers in the Industry. A best selling author characterized David in this manner,"David Goldsmith is unique in that he can see a 30,000 feet view of business and then delivers the hand-to-hand tools for combat. Few people can do what he does." You can reach them at (315) 682-3157 or email to david@davidgoldsmith.com