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“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”

Epictetus

There is a wide body of literature that explores and expounds on the nature of leadership. These include an array of social, political, professional and personal contexts, and each of us can name numerous famous, as well as infamous, examples. Within every definition of leadership – whether you ascribe to the “learned” or “born with” school of thought – are common denominators. We can easily list those, too.

To me, leadership is personal: not only how I choose to describe and model those qualities and feats, but also what is important to me. It is not enough to say a leader provides vision and purpose; what does that mean for those around her? The parameters for leadership always include the implications for others.

Not too long ago, during a time of transition, I brought a group of senior managers together to talk about leadership. The corporate officers were asked to identify what leadership meant to them, particularly in terms of managing their organization.

The following is a broad list of what the group came up with.

•Provides vision and purpose

•Maintains visibility

•Is comfortable asking for help

•Shares control and authority

•Sets high standards and expectations

•Recognizes and honors the achievements of others

•Invests in people and supports staff with kindness, respect and fairness

•Sets a good example

•Has the right people by his or her side

•Creates the organizational culture

•Makes decisions

•Pursues ongoing learning and growth, challenging people to stretch

•Pulls people together

•Communicates effectively

•Demonstrates passion and dedication

•Recognizes and understands the big picture

•Exemplifies responsibility, accountability, honesty and personal integrity

•Contributes to corporate growth, success and the accomplishment of excellence

It is a long and impressive list. Each characteristic is worthy of being an aspiration, complementing and supplementing the others. I know which are the most important to me.

But before you decide on the most significant for you, think about the following. What “contains” your image of leadership? What characterizes the difference that makes a difference to you in being a leader? What do you believe is critical in your connections to others for leading? Lastly, what patterns do you see and what then emerges for you from you own life experiences and reflection when you think about strength and vision?

Now you are ready.

If you had to select the five leadership characteristics that you believe are the most important, which would they be?