Checklists are great ways to make sure that people follow all the steps in a process. One of the first uses of checklists was in aviation to prevent accidents caused by pilot error. Since pilots began using checklists, aviation safety records are among the best safety records in any industry. Pilots make sure that they haven't missed any steps for a safe flight. A checklist can also be useful for leadership development even though it is not a precise process like flying an airplane.

An often cited leadership maxim is "Lead from the front." Generally it is an admonition to be visible and exercise leadership at the point of the action. Leaders can't be successful unless they get out from behind the desk and out of the office to see what's really going on with their team. Leaders must go where the real work gets done. Now the word "front "can also be used as a checklist for leadership development. Each letter represents an element of the development process. If you want to be a leader, use this checklist to "Lead from the FRONT:"

1. Focus on fundamentals: Learn to be a good follower first, develop your passion, and use your emotional intelligence. All leaders start their leadership journey by first being good followers. They must learn the fundamentals of both their chosen field and the basics of leadership. They must also develop a burning passion for their work which will guide them throughout their career. Finally, they also develop their emotional intelligence by learning about themselves and how they impact others. After all, leadership is about influencing others to help achieve the vision. Leaders can only do this by relating well with their followers.

2. Research and study the craft of leadership as an apprentice. Leadership is about the leader's journey and not about a destination. All great leaders are always looking to learn more about themselves, their organization, and the craft of leadership. They apply what they learn through practice, and then seek feedback for future improvement. Often they start out as an apprentice and seek out a mentor or a coach. As they progress in experience, they can mentor others. Mentors often learn as much as their protégés.

3. Operate from a set of values. Values inform decision making and guide behavior. Great leaders have a well thought out set of values from which they operate. Hopefully their personal values are also consistent with their organizational values. When they operate from their values, leaders will behave consistently and make decisions that their followers will expect from them.

4. Never quit: Whatever you do in life, you will sooner or later run into roadblocks on your journey. Leaders accept this reality and work to overcome obstacles. They learn to be resilient in the face of adversity. They inspire their team to either bypass or overcome any challenges. They often lead their team forward by personal example too. They never quit. Instead they ask "How about," "What if," and "Could we try this?" Leaders collaborate with others to find a way until they succeed. They just never quit.

5. Take Charge: The quote, "when in charge be in charge," is often attributed to General George S. Patton, the famous American commander from World War II. He clearly states the importance of the leader as the one who accepts responsibility for their team. They understand that they are responsible for their team and accept that responsibility for whatever happens - good or bad. When given the opportunity, a leader takes charge moves their team forward toward a better future.

Checklists are useful tools to make sure that you have completed each step in a process. The "Lead from the FRONT" checklist is a simple five step process that offers a way to develop yourself as a leader. If you want to be a leader, then follow the steps and "Lead from the FRONT."