Leadership is about having a vision. The ability to motivate employees to reach the goals set by that vision is what defines a good leader.

Leaders must inspire. Monitoring and guiding the team, igniting the willingness of employees towards achieving set objectives, and creating a conducive work environment to help individuals realise their true potential are the essential tasks undertaken by good organisational leaders.

Leadership is about living the values-if vision gives direction, values set the boundaries. Values demand that leaders be completely transparent. Values transmit trust, which is the cementing force that holds an organisation together during challenging times.

Leaders should exude energy while working hard. This creates an enthusiastic atmosphere in the organisation. They should be articulate while dealing with others and be able to communicate effectively to influence them.

Leaders should support and strive for continuous innovation in the functional system of the organisation. Innovation is applying creativity. Leaders should delegate authority to fuel innovation.

To build an organisation based on excellence, a leader must stretch beyond boundaries, be in touch with ground realities, and should monitor development at different levels.

A leader should be adaptive, abreast of latest developments, and maintain a good business code of conduct in order to keep pace with changing markets, policies, and competitions.

Finally, leaders should realise that leadership is not about being nice and sympathetic. It is about being focussed, empathic, unbiased, and strong.