Over the years I have learned a few lessons on leadership – many the hard way by making mistakes, and taking some un-seen detours and dead-ends. Some have been learned through the successful achievement of teams I have had the privilege of leading.

More recently, I have been sharing my ideas and lessons learned. I have been devouring the thoughts and ideas of other speakers and writers to add to my understanding of this essential but illusive success skill.

'People buy into a leader first, then the vision.” John C. Maxwell

You may have heard the name John C. Maxwell over the years. John is an expert on the subject of leadership, having written about it in some 30 books, and spoken to millions around the world. His 'The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” is a business best seller.

John shared some ideas on the building blocks of a successful personality and their importance to us as leaders:

• The ability to get along with others (relationship building),
• The ability to share their vision (equipping), and
• Having a positive attitude and leadership ability.

John goes on to stress that although all of these traits are important, "... everything rises and falls on leadership.”

If you want to be effective in your career or business - hone your leadership skills.
Often according to Maxwell, "Leadership ability is the lid that determines your effectiveness.” (Irrefutable law #1)

Leadership is not honed or built overnight.
According to Maxwell, "They are developed daily by reading, listening, attending workshops and conferences, and sharing ideas. Successful leaders are learners. And the learning process is ongoing, a result of self-discipline and perseverance. The goal each day must be to get better, to build on the previous day's progress."

According to Maxwell, 'All great leaders share the ability to build and lead teams. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Building a team is difficult, but you cannot do anything significant without one. A group is not a team. A team shares a vision, mindset and heart. The compounding of great ideas happens in a team. And a great idea is the result of several good ideas.”

And a team is not a team without a leader they can trust and follow! Leadership functions on trust. Trust is the foundation upon which every relationship – at work, at home, in the community or anywhere else – is built.

Trust is earned and according to Maxwell you only receive it when you have these three key attributes: character, competence and consistency. When these mesh together you begin to build trust and receive trust from others.

And a closer look at these three key attributes reveals or underscores the fact they are built or developed over time. Leadership is a process of progress towards increased trust and responsibility. Leadership is a lifestyle of commitment, not a label. And you keep earning as you keep learning. Trust is a fragile thing and once lost very difficult to recover.

Leadership is a lifestyle of commitment to increased service and guidance of those you have under your care. Warren Bennis says, "without trust, the leader cannot function."

Maxwell shared 6 steps he felt would help keep you on track in your leadership journey and keep you from eroding or loosing the trust of your team:

1. Focus on shared goals more than personal agendas. When it comes to trust, it is not about you. You are leading the company, office, or team for the benefit of everyone.
2. Stay away from politics. Make sure everyone knows you cannot be bought or compromised. Keep this a clear and visible focus.
3. Do the 'right' thing regardless of personal risk. Being a leader means sometimes you have to grit your teeth and take the pain when doing the right thing causes you to get hurt. That is the essence of leadership – choosing to do what is right regardless of the cost.
4. Be accountable to others. Create an unofficial advisory board of trusted colleagues or mentors to keep tabs on how you're doing in all of these steps. Don't rely on your own judgement as the only way to keep you on track. The wisdom of many can be a guide to the leader.
5. Follow the Golden Rule. Treat people the way you want to be treated. It's simple, and it still works after all these years. More so for leaders and aspiring leaders.
6. Make sure what you say matches what you do. Consistency and congruity working in tandem to underscore and demonstrate your credibility and competence. The best way to earn and maintain the trust of your team is to say what you mean and mean what you say – and then model it! When people see with their own eyes that you are trustworthy with both your words and your actions they are more inclined to want to be a part of your team.

Being a leader is not easy, otherwise everyone would be doing it, effectively. Everyone who calls himself or herself a leader, is not proven to be one in fact. And many who don't 'officially' take on the label, earn the respect and the position in people's minds and actions inspite of not choosing the limelight. People will follow you when you prove to them you are trustworthy of their commitment to you and the vision you share. But remember John's advice… 'People buy into the leader first, then the vision.”

Take a few minutes to reflect on the three key attributes: character, competence and consistency. Be totally honest with yourself: how would you rate in each of these areas?

• Would you see areas of improvement?
• What would those you lead tell you about your rating in each of these?
• Perhaps chatting with your trusted colleagues and specifically asking them to give you their insight and feedback would be beneficial.

Leadership is a life long journey. Once you make the commitment, the path lies before you, beckoning you, teasing you, taunting you, testing you each step of the way. The journey can be challenging at times, after all you are dealing with people and the personalities that come with their involvement on your team. But the vision, the goal, the chance to make a difference is the heart that keeps your leadership blood pumping.

Enjoy the journey!