When you ask someone to define a word like leadership, you will find the responses vary. Leadership can be broken down by a few simple characteristics found in anyone looking to achieve a goal or emblaze a path.

To find the true essence of leadership, one must ask themselves if they possess the following characteristics:

Leaders are "big picture" thinkers who inspire others to succeed.

Sometimes called visionaries, leaders have trained their mind to always think in the long term. They begin by envisioning a complete picture of what their intended leadership goal entails. This helps them to know exactly where they are going. Having a three year plan is critical in keeping their focus on the horizon.

A leader knows that their big picture leadership plan will only succeed if it offers others the chance to shine. Reaching their envisioned end result is not the only concern a leader considers. Of equal importance are the lives of those that they affect along the way.

A leaders end goal always benefits and empowers the lives of those they affect

It is critical that those who work with a leader be a part of the vision they have set for themselves. Leadership is the ability to recognize that in order to excel in both their professional and personal lives; they will at many points require the support of others. Much more can be accomplished when two are working towards a common goal as opposed to just an individual. This requires that their long term plan hold benefits for everyone involved. Before an idea will even be considered to be a goal, a leader seeks common benefit. Similar to a captain on a ship, their focus always remains on the horizon for the safety of everyone involved.

This also goes for the product a leader has created. They will make sure that you are adding VALUE to the lives of every customer they have the privilege to serve. This value is a long term benefit that customers receive by being in a leader's presence. It is the benefit of their services. Therefore it is imperative that a leader take the time to evaluate the value proposition they are bringing their client.

Leadership is about looking for and expecting challenges along the way.

A leader is not allergic to problems. Some people find that when they are met with a challenge, their entire day, week, or even their life-cycle, will be disrupted. They will respond in anger, doubt, and unpredictable actions that make matters worse. A leader will not be fazed when faced with a similar situation. They are not bothered because they understand:

Challenges are a fact of life. It's nonsensical to pretend that challenges are not reality.

Challenges are filled with opportunity to advance even closer to your goals.

Because they accept these two facts of life, a leader has plotted their course anticipating the road to their destination may be bumpy at times. Should their journey involve tough situations and/or decisions, the leader doesn't get frustrated. Instead, they look for the opportunities that are present during the challenges.

A leader's attitude always employs the ability to view negative situations as positive experiences to be learned from.

Because a leader always expects to find challenges as they make their way to the goal line, and they understand that each challenge offers an opportunity to advance closer to their goal, they view each situation as a positive. Attitude is the key to defining a leader. How we feel towards what we know is on the horizon will ultimately dictate how well we navigate through it.

Leaders will take this knowledge one step further. They take out the proverbial pencil and pad of paper, and begin taking notes regarding the challenge and how to effectively embrace issue. This forces the leader to become innovative in their thinking, which can be a much needed adjustment. Leaders recognize that all worthwhile endeavors are met with challenging resistance. The rewards of persistence are the spoils of those who embrace them.

Leadership is about constantly seeking the advice of other leaders who have succeeded in their goals.

There will always be someone who has gone before you and succeeded in the areas of life you are undertaking. Seeking this outside counsel is critical to their success.

Leaders are constantly in a state of learning. Leadership means to never stop grasping for the information that will propel them to the next stage in their professional and personal lives.