The most important quality of leadership, the one quality for which you want to be known, is high performance, with the goal of achieving results. These results then serve as an inspiration to others to perform at a high level. People see leadership in the managers they feel can most enable them to achieve important goals or objectives.
We also develop great respect towards the managers we can count on to help us achieve what is important to us. People who achieve great results, or who are high performers provide positive influence on others. They are spoken about in the most positive way and become examples for others.
Managers who are responsible for companies or departments that achieve high levels of profitability also develop charisma. They develop what is called the "halo effect." They are perceived by others to be extraordinary people who are capable of great things. Their shortcomings are often overlooked, while their strong points are overemphasized. They become charismatic.
Leadership actually comes from improving yourself. It comes from liking and accepting yourself unconditionally and allowing you to see the specific things that you need to develop within yourself. This can become your leadership personality.
When you set goals and become determined and purposeful and you back those goals with unshakable self-confidence, you develop leadership. When you are enthusiastic and excited about what you are doing and show total commitment your staff sees a leader’s personality. You radiate confidence. When you take the time to study and become an expert at what you do, and then prepare thoroughly for any opportunity to use your knowledge, skill or experience, the perception that others have of you goes straight up.
Take complete responsibility and accept ownership, without making excuses or blaming others and you will experience a sense of control that leads to the personal power that is the foundation of leadership. When you look like a winner you can create the kind of image that others admire. If you develop your character by setting high standards and then disciplining yourself to live consistent with the highest principles you know, you become the kind of person who is admired and respected everywhere.
Concentrate your energies on what you have been hired to accomplish. Seek the results that others expect of you and develop the reputation for performance and achievement that inevitably becomes the basis for leadership style.
You can develop the kind of leadership that opens doors for you by going to work on yourself, consistently and persistently, and becoming the kind of person everyone can admire and look up to. That's what leadership is all about.