There is probably one character trait that is more important than any other when it comes to operating a successful business or organization: effective leadership. The person who lays down the asphalt upon which other will walk is the leader; and that person determines the direction of the road. Once the blocks have been laid down, he must then convince others that his road is a good road to take. The ability to accomplish this feat in a way that is productive and gets people working together for a common goal is indeed extremely rare.

Despite revenue streams, process management issues, business development, account receivable, and all the other aspect that go into building a successful business, none of them can be possible without people. People move the system along, make judgment calls, and ultimately steer the wheel of the vehicle.

Great leaders know how to deal with people; not just a certain group or personality type, but everyone. They understand that teamwork is the key to making processes work. They use their uncanny interpersonal skills, the ability to sense tension, vulnerability, anger, fear to respond to any given number of situations. They know when to be firm, when to be angry, and when to be wait and see what happens. They have an understanding of themselves and how their personal actions affect other people, and thus more control over impulse reactions.

They display courage when dealing with other people and understand that those uncomfortable moments that we all experience in the face of guilt, fear, and responsibility are a commonality in the humanity. A leader is responsive, attentive, resolved and secure in his own person, yet considerate, passionate, and a kind.

A leader knows his faults and admits to them. He also knows that he can be mistaken and allows others to understand him as a person. He is keen on allowing others with the strengths that he lacks to take charge. He helps others grow; he challenges them and questions their limits.

A leader is a lover of people. He doesn't assume nor does he judge. He simple lives in the moment and with each moment he decides to take the road less traveled, because he knows that in the end, there will be a treasure waiting for him, much greater than anything he could have ever imagined.