Leaders are generally charged with having one eye to the future, while keeping the other eye in the present. Not an easy task. Therefore, I would like to share with you three characteristics that I believe are essential for every great leader.

Have a vision.
Vision is a trait that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It turns the routine into the exciting. It changes the humdrum into something electrifying.

Vision stirs up enthusiasm, gives meaning, offers guidance, and imparts direction. Without vision, organizations weaken and people lose interest.

A leader sees more than others see, sees farther than others see, sees before others see.

Have a plan.
Your plan should be guided by your vision and it should include three qualities of its developer.

It should be personal.
It should be practical.
It should be progressive.

Hold people accountable.
Once you see where you want to go and you develop a plan to get you there, you then need to hold those you lead accountable for accomplishing the vision.

There are three types of followers:
Those who know the vision.
Those who believe the vision.
Those who own the vision.

How do you communicate your vision and your plan so that the people you lead don’t just know or believe your vision, but actually own it and make it their vision, too?