You must understand who you are before you can decide who you want to be. So take stock of your strengths and your weaknesses. Know your limitations. Set realistic goals for yourself, keeping in mind that a balance between work and life makes for a healthy leader. And, above all, know what you stand for. Maintain your own morals, values and ethics, so you can hold yourself - and others - to the standards you set. Then unleash the leader within you. Take your career by the horns and steer it in the exact direction you want it to go.

Communicating well means more than being articulate. It means being able to deliver a speech powerful enough to inspire an entire auditorium. And to put pen to paper in such a way that others can be rallied into action through the written word. It means negotiating for the best possible outcomes with both logic and compassion - and without failure. The ability to do all this is what makes a great communicator. And to do it all with conviction and passion is what makes a great leader.

A true leader not only communicates well, she also listens well. She hears what everyone has to say and learns from them - adding to her knowledge and her ability to understand others. It is by listening with her heart as well as her head that she builds relationships and communities around her, and helps others grow into strong leaders.

You can't move forward without understanding where you are. So get to know your environment. The people you work with. The industry you work in. Immerse yourself in the economics and business practices that affect your company, your clients, and your customers. Keep your ear to the ground. Be aware of what your competition is up to, and gain the upper hand. Build a support system for yourself and those within your community. Great leaders get connected. Stay connected. And use every ounce of information to their advantage.

Progress is never made by standing still or by relying on the same tired, old ideas. It is up to leaders to push the envelope - to transform our industry by developing ideas that are bigger and better than ever before. So take initiative. Raise the bar and set higher standards. Demand equality on all fronts. Embrace diversity. And above all, never accept less respect than you offer others. Because change can only take hold if grounded in respect.

Great leaders look fear in the eye and use it to their advantage. As the force driving them into uncharted territory. And the adrenaline that keeps them climbing the corporate ladder. They are smart, strategic, and always ready to take action. They don't surrender or retreat. They're committed to their vision and believe in it above everything else. Because of this, others are willing to follow. Without fear.

Rally those around you to join in your mission. Be a mentor, a guide, and a role model - one who learns from what she teaches. Help those around you achieve their full potential with a helping hand that paves the way for future leaders. Be dynamic and strong and you will inspire others to embrace your vision as THE vision. The one they want to be part of. And the one they choose to follow.