What is it that makes a person a leader? Is it personality? Is it the skills possessed? To try and find the answers to these questions and to define such an abstract term is both a challenging and overwhelming task. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language provides many explanations: "a person or thing that leads; a guide; one in charge or in command of others." The dictionary proceeds to offer such additional definitions as "a person who leads others along a way; a guiding or directing head, as of an army or political group; the head of a political party or organization; one who has an influential voice in politics." Do these interpretations fully explain what exactly a leader is, or is the reader left craving a now even more in depth explanation? A dictionary definition most often is just as abstract as the term that needs to be defined, offering just the most basic and primary of details. Due to every person having different experiences with leaders in their own lives, a definition can only be drawn from personal diagnosis and justification. A definition such as this will be provided in this paper, hopefully, leading to further understanding and appreciation from the reader. .
To me a leader is a person of great power and authority. There is a certain charisma that is characterized by someone who is a leader. Leaders are dedicated to their goals and demonstrate this through commitment, hard work and self-sacrifice. A leader is not a person who has ideas and standards that are unappealing to mainstream society. Leaders are not people who are uninspiring or who lack the enthusiasm that will make others want to be in their presence. Someone in a leadership position is understanding and has respect for people. Leaders are verbally assertive and can communicate honestly; they are straightforward and fair in speech and conduct. A desired leader will not put his or her self before others and will not set a bad example for his or her followers.