There are many aspects that must be considered in leadership.  For example, I could list leadership competencies; goal setting, delegating, rewarding and so on.  However, there are some basic aspects that conventional research has failed to address. 

One aspect is that a leader is NOT a manager — or a boss, for that matter.  Most conventional researchers fail to see that the two are different.  A manager is always a leader but a leader is not necessarily a manager.  The manager’s authority is based on his position.  If they are not given the title, then they have no authority.  A leader’s authority does not rely on position only.  It has its foundations on position but without it, a leader will still lead and most likely stand out as a leader.  A manager tells his or her subordinates what to do, but does not know the details of how to carry out the orders.  A leader shows his followers what to do.  A true leader does not only give orders, but will lead by example.

Another aspect that most conventional researches failed to mention is the leader’s ability to think differently.  A leader must always be one step ahead of  his followers.  If he cannot think differently, he will always be a follower.  If he cannot see things in perspective, he cannot lead because he is of the same level as his followers. 

Another aspect is the leader’s clarity in his influence and delegation.  He must be clear with his expectations, and moreover, his visions, so he can lead his followers where they ought to go.  Although traditional research indicates that a leader should have a vision it fails to point out that the vision must be clear.  He is certain in all he does, or at least appears to be certain. If not, his followers will sense the uncertainty and will eventually lose their trust in the leader.

One last aspect is the leader’s legacy.  If he cannot or did not leave a legacy, then he was not able to influence change.  The very definition of a leader is one who can influence others and therefore will direct change. A true leader must always leave something behind for his followers and his successor. A leader must always try to be not just a good leader, but a great one.