Everyone wants to be a leader for it's cool to be able to boss people around, have people as followers, or to always be in the forefront getting all the glory. But that is a distorted view of what leadership really is. Following are some characteristics that make a person good leader. Let's look at each of them in detail.

Leaders Serve Others: Leaders actually serve. They care about others. They don't sit in their office just giving orders for someone else to do it. They come alongside people and are willing to show people how to get it done.

Develop Leadership in Others: Leaders train others to become leaders. They believe in and trust the people who follow them. They delegate, give and share credit to others for their ideas and contributions. They are not a "glory hog".

Listen to Others and Communicate Effectively: Leaders listen to the counsel of others and criticism of others. They are not defensive. They don't get angry nor do they wilt away. They accept and even welcome inputs from others for they know it is a way to make the situation better.

Good Planners: Leaders work with others to set goals and develop schedules. They look for better ways to do things.

Inspire Others: Leaders inspire others to do their best, to try harder, and to remove the limits on their dreams. They inspire their followers to do what they never imagined was possible.

Positive Attitude: They are alert, energetic, optimistic, resilient, and hopeful, in spite of disappointments or setbacks.

Have Integrity: Leaders are true to their word and if they can't keep their word they will let you know why they were unable to do so. They set a good example of honesty and trustworthiness.

Take Responsibility and Risks:

Leaders take responsibility for their own action and for the actions of their followers. They don't shift the blame. Leaders are willing to take risks and try new ideas. They are not reckless but they are willing to experiment.

Are Good Followers: Leaders seek mentors whom they can follow. They are in a continual process of learning. No one knows everything and because a leader is willing to learn new things he is more apt to follow one who is more knowledgeable.

The truth is that good leaders were once good followers. And even in that capacity they thought before acting, planned ahead, were considerate of others, were willing to serve, re-evaluated their decisions in light of new information, were open to learning, desired to be better and to do better, and were able to communicate thoughts and ideas in an effective manner. But they did more too. They didn't blindly follow but they were wise in their decision to follow the leader they knew, understood and agreed with the direction the leader was going.

If you want to be a leader of tomorrow develop the character of a good leader today and you can start the process by being a good follower.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!