We can stay where we are and manage what we can, protect the status quo, and resist change, or choose to lead by transitioning the frontier knowing that the land of leadership is somewhere over the horizon, and with few guideposts, a lot of learning lies in-between. Achieving objectives is good, but not enough for leaders. Leaders attain, which means that they not only achieve the objective, but develop and learn during the process so that their expanded experiential knowledge can be applied more broadly and creatively in the future. Leaders know their special gifts and never wander too far from them. We all have strengths.
Leaders live honest lives.
Leaders speak freely and share their feelings openly. They tell the truth, all the time, and do not deceive themselves or others. They know their strengths and weaknesses and are comfortable with both. Leaders are true to their values. Leaders know what excites them and what they are naturally drawn to.