The idea of the brave and fearless general, the wizened professor lecturing the halls of a new student body, the revolutionary out to remove tyranny, the priest speaking the doctrine of his faith to the waiting participants, and the politician speaking out about the world -- all of these individuals are a leader of some capacity, and all of them carry the burdens that follow this status. What is it that makes these individuals a leader? Is it the status of the position, or is it the abilities that these individuals possess as well as the charisma to bring people together?
Of the traits of a leader, none are more prominent than charisma. The first focal point of the leader will always be his ability to bring people together from an inefficient and disorganized group into a well functioned and organized force. This ability to bring the individual together with the values of the group is the first and most common attribute of the leader.
The second trait of the leader that must be seen are the values of the leader. A leader must have strong convictions that say what they are doing is correct. This trait gives the leader a sense of resolve and motivation to continue with the application of their goals, and will also make the individuals following the leader be more likely to continue serving until the task is complete. The values that a leader carries will make the people continue to follow them, as long as they remain a person who keeps their values.
The last trait that a leader will need is the goal of a leader. If a leader has charisma and values, then the leader can bring people under his service. Without a goal, the leader will not be able to push the group forward so they may complete and bring about their goal. The goal is the realization of the ideals and values that the leader and the people have. It gives the people and the leader purpose.
These three traits are the only thing an individual needs to be a leader. A voice to bring together the people, values to hold them together, and a goal to strive for. If an individual has these traits, then that individual has the makings of a leader.
