Top leaders...

1. Are Visionary
   Top leaders have a very clear understanding of where the organisation is going and a clear strategy for getting there.

2. Communicate Really Well
   Great leaders ensure that their message gets across to all in the organisation - clearly.

3. Are 'People' people
   Having a love for people helps these top performing leaders build relationships and develop wonderful team spirit.

4. Let Go of the 'Doing'
   Great leaders do just that - lead. They let their people get on with the doing - and encourage them.

5. Understand Their Business
   Not only are they visionary and strategically sound, but the 'top dog' leaders truly understand their business, inside and out, good and bad, and firmly move it on - they make the difference.

6. Are Models
   They lead from the front and have the values of the organisation and their people. They 'do what it says on the tin".

7. Build Rapport Quickly
   Excellent leaders have a way of building rapport instantly, through what they say, how they look and especially how well they listen and value the other person.

8. Have Charisma
   ...and as well as an ability to create rapport, and they communicate well, there is something else - they have a personal style which ooozes that extra something - they have great charisma!

9. Are Very Determined
   Whilst having all those fabulous people skills, truly great leaders go that extra mile - they are determined to follow-through to achieve their goals and vision. They are totally ruthless - and in a people-friendly way.

10. Are Passionate
    Great leaders bring an immense energy to the task in hand - whether it be a car boot sale or a battle at war. This one element distinguishes them most.

Above all leaders can be found anywhere. There are true leaders of small businesses; CEO's; supervisors and indeed there is leadership in everyone, whatever level they are in a business or organisation. It's for true leaders at the top of a team to let their people express themselves.