- People take on different roles for different reasons, but one of the most important reasons for becoming the leader in a group or organization is the ability to make a difference. Leaders make decisions that have far-reaching ramifications for a group larger than themselves. Followers are at the mercy of their leaders and do not have this ability.
- Along with making a difference, leaders create change. Change can be a good thing, and good leaders organize and rally their peers to see the value in something bigger than themselves, sacrificing for the good of the group. One of the most difficult adjustments for any group or organization to make is change. Effective leaders embrace the challenge that is change and turn a negative into a positive. Although others may be responsible for the idea of change, the change does not happen until the person in charge gets behind it and rallies the group.
- Leaders have the ability to inspire greatness in others. Strong leaders see the strengths in each of their peers and bring out the best in that person. Followers often wait for others to tell them what to do, but leaders recognize that others have hidden talents and they work to bring out the best in everyone, challenging their colleagues to go beyond what they believe they are capable of doing.
- With the ability to bring out the best in their colleagues, leaders have the ability to increase the overall performance of a group or organization. Leaders make decisions, both popular and unpopular, with one goal in mind, to improve the conditions for all parties involved. It's easy to make the popular decision, but real leadership comes when the person has to step up and make the call that is not the most popular but is the most necessary. Then, once the decision is made, leaders have the ability to convince their colleagues that it was the best decision for everyone. Again, followers are left to be told what to do and can only speculate as to what they would do if they were in a position of leadership.
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