From Leadership Dynamics, Inc.

So what does it take to be leader? What qualities need to be developed?

Consider the five "L's" of leadership:

1.       Listen

Listening is one of the most important assets a leader can possess. This  enables you to gain insights in addition to friendships. As you listen,  learn to listen with understanding. Suspend the certainty of what you  think you know and listen to what is being said. Listen with compassion  and caring, for without these components you're not really listening.

2.       Live

Leaders must lead by example. This point cannot be overemphasized, as you cannot impart what you do not possess. A leader needs to live out  the principles and characteristics he expects to see in his followers,  as we cannot lead anyone further than we have been ourselves. John  Maxwell has said, "People are changed not by coercion or intimidation,  but by example."

3.       Learn

Only through learning new things do we continue in our pursuit of  excellence and avoid becoming stale. Growth is the only evidence of  life. Learn as much as you can. Commit yourself to a continual,  systematic schedule of personal development and orient yourself around that commitment to personal growth.

4.       Love

The old adage is true: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. If your goals and decisions are self‑centered,  followers will quickly lose their loyalty and enthusiasm. Resist the  temptation to use people simply to fill your organizational chart or  complete a personal mission. That's manipulation, not love. Loving  people involves making others feel important out of your genuine concern  and commitment to them. According to John 13.35 the clearly identifiable  characteristic of a Christian is his love!

5.       Legacy

This is the ultimate commentary on your leadership effectiveness. This  means devoting ourselves to the development of the full potential of  those around us. Think about the legacy of your leadership and how you  will be remembered. Will you be remembered for your loving commitment to others? Your ability to listen? Your continual pursuit of improvement?  Your consistency to walk the talk?  A commitment to leadership is a commitment to personal integrity,  character and growth. Don't shortcut the process by failing to develop  the needed infrastructure. Leadership is not a position but a lifestyle!