Leadership principles are timeless and universal; good leaders are those who have the ability to rationally apply them to solve the problem in hand. This kind of rationality comes from a clear sense of distinction between the apt and the irrelevant, and, an eye for detail.

The onus of inspiring subordinates to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks also lies with the leader. Great leaders are those who induce confidence into their subordinates by walking the talk themselves. Another key characteristic of good leaders is their ability to communicate hard truths and help people cope with the realities of change. Sometimes such truths demoralise individuals-it is then the leader's responsibility to make them realise that nothing is impossible to achieve if the right strategy is applied and a sincere effort is made to resolve the issue.

Leadership is not just about enduring setbacks; it is also about teaching others to cope with difficult situations. Shared leadership often goes a long way in making subordinates behave more responsibly than they normally do. Good leadership also demands a high level of confidence. This enables the leader to not only motivate oneself, but also motivate others. It is, however, essential for leaders to maintain a fine balance between confidence and humility. Lack of humility can impair rational decision-making and this could prove harmful.

So while it is important for leaders to break old rules and pave way for positive change, it is equally important for them to draw a line between pioneering and being before one's times. A good leader is one who shapes the future by intelligently interpreting the present.