Throughout the course of history, influential leaders have inspired others to achieve great things, many times changing the course of history. Successful leaders each have their own style, unique and their own, which leaves a lasting impression on those that they inspire. Leadership is defined as the ability to lead (Leadership, 2006). A leader can also be defined as "one who influences others to attain goals (Bateman & Scott, 2009, p. 434)." This is only a broad definition of leadership and cannot describe all traits and responsibilities of leaders and what makes a good leader. A leader must also possess vision; this vision can be for all aspects of succeeding and encouraging others to succeed. Leaders must also follow-up on this vision to ensure accuracy and deviations. It is important for leaders to identify with the organization and establish the organization as one overall team working together to achieve a common goal. Leaders must also take advantage of opportunities to enhance the organization and make good decisions and continue to make good decisions. These traits are important in the development of a leader, but a leader must also have the strength to utilize these traits and empower those within the organization. Leadership also is not dependent on any level within an organization. The traits and characteristics of leaders and good leaders are those which have and will continue to have a
References: ateman, T. S., & Scott, S. A. (2009). Management Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Keegan, J. (1998). Leaders and Revolutionaries. Time Magazine. Retrieved January 16, 2009. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/time100/leaders/index.htmlLeadership (2006). In Dictionary of the English Language (Vol. 4th, pp. -). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.