The three levels of leadership are direct, organizational, and strategic. Direct leadership, as the term implies, is face-to face leadership. It takes place typically in organizational scenarios where subordinates are in direct contact with their leaders at all times. Direct leaders are involved in their subordinates' development personally and influence organizations through their subordinates' development.

At the second level is organizational leadership. Such leaders reach out to far more people than direct leaders do, and can influence even up to several thousands of people. Unlike direct leaders, organizational leaders are not able to interact directly in the lives of their subordinates and need staff to help them lead people so that they achieve the goals set for the organization over a period of time.

Going up the pyramid, strategic leaders are people who are usually responsible for large organizations and may influence up to several thousands of people of people. Their role is to establish organizational structure, allocate resources, and communicate strategic vision for the organization as a whole.

To be a strategic-leader, you need to first understand corporate priorities and envisage the future of the company. You will need to gauge a direction for the future growth of the organization as well as decide your own role and position in that journey. Perhaps the most important aspect of a strategic-leader's role is to ascertain how you can influence the growth of your own organization, and in doing so, chart your own future. In addition, the effective strategic leader must lead, guide, and influence the skills of team members.

The strategic-leader must have focus, commitment, and the ability to see the organization chart the path it has set out to do. All of these skills are inter-dependent and imperative. No strategic-leader can succeed without all three of these in good measure. A vision for change, backed by the commitment and motivation to see the work through, and the skills to implement the changes are all a must-have. A successful strategic-leader must be a people's person also, as he will have to motivate and carry his team along towards his vision. Communication is another essential skill, without which the leader cannot share his vision with the team. A good strategic-leader must be adept at the art of negotiation and conflict management as well.

For those strategic-leaders who wish to take up higher roles and envisage leading change in their organizations, there are several strategic-leadership courses available online and through workshops. Some of these courses are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Strategic-Leadership Forum (SLF) and aim to teach you the advanced features of strategic-leadership.

So if you think you are cut out for greater things within your organization, have a vision for change, and the ability to motivate and influence people, strategic-leadership may just as well be your field. So what are you waiting for - it's time to change the world!