If You Want a Team of Leaders You Must Become One First

John Maxwell, a top author on leadership, wrote "The number one motivational principle in the world is: people do what people see." So if you want a team of leaders you must first become one yourself.

Many people believe that leaders are not made they are born. While it's true that some people seem to be born with leadership traits, it's more common for leadership skills and abilities to be developed. Research Abraham Lincoln's career and you'll find a great example of that.

But where do you start? Great leaders are generally great communicators. This doesn't necessarily mean that they are great orators though. To be a good communicator you must first be a good listener.

There is not one person who does not appreciate a leader who will take the time to listen to what they have to sy. It's very motivational when someone gives you that respect and that respect is usually reciprocated. Great leadership starts here.

Great leaders take responsibility and hold others accountable. Any kind of team thrives when they know the "buck stops at the leader" and that the leader will insist the team members meet the set standards.

The best way to develop future leaders is to hold them accountable for their actions and to not accept any less than what's expected. Of course as the leader you have to hold yourself to the same expectations. For example, it's hard to expect others to be on time for meetings if you're not.

The best leaders get people involved in what is going on and then empower them to play a role in problem solving and becoming successful. When you show confidence in your team by seeking their contribution you build a sense of pride that enables you to reach the shared goals quicker.

In the book The One Minute Manager, the number one motivator of people is "Feedback on results. It's what keeps us going." Great leaders understand this and make sure that the team is always aware of where they stand.

When goals are set, a plan that includes a time frame to achieve it is put in place. When you give your team consistent updates on how they're doing you're giving the necessary information to keep them on target.

It wouldn't be fair to notify an employee at the end of the year that he didn't receive his bonus if he was never given any progress reports long the way. Great leaders communicate and give their team members opportunities for success.

They also give them opportunities to fail. Leaders understand the importance of that. This is how we learn best. They're there to help pick them and dust them off, too.