After more than four decades of personal involvement, in almost everything related to effective leadership, identification and qualification, training, development and consultation of thousands of real and/or potential leaders, I have come to firmly believe and feel, while many could assume a leadership position, a much - smaller percentage, continue, to become real leaders! Nowadays, many organizations seem to be facing a shortage of genuine leadership and, either, do not systematically use a professionally designed leadership training program (customized for the specific group), or are ready to settle for almost - anyone, often, because they are not willing to proceed, with the necessary perseverance, to find the best people! With this in mind, this article will attempt, briefly, to review, review, revise and discuss 6 essential elements for true leadership.

1. Integrity: Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find someone with absolute integrity, rather than proceed, to behave in this way, only when it serves its purpose, selectively! Basically, a real leader must, systematically, tell the truth, if he hopes to win/gain the trust of his stakeholders, and, only then, will he maximize the chance, to get more individuals, to follow and become, more engaged and involved!

2. Common sense/greater good: perhaps, the most disappointing aspect, regarding, the training of potential leaders, is, how rarely, we observe, using common sense, seeking, meeting - with - the - spirits, for the greater good, and/or, proceeding, with endurance and perseverance, to move forward, forward, demanding his highest degree of personal excellence, rather than settling for a good - enough, and/or, some, perceived - way, lesser resistance!

3. Strategic and action planning: although many claim it, few organizations, in fact, carry out strategic planning, as it should be! This process means, consider, as many aspects, as possible, in the search, for the best approach, in the future! It is necessary to study the past/legacy/history, mission, demographics and perceptions of the stakeholders of the specific group, while avoiding, becoming, a blame - and - complain/moan-and- moan, an event! Once a strategic plan is effectively, perceived and conceived, created and determined thoroughly, it must, transparently, be transformed into the finest possible action plan - relevant, sustainable, with, integrated, contingencies, to address potential ramifications, etc.!

4. Zero-based budget: Most groups take what they believe is the easiest solution, when it comes to determining their budget! On the other hand, the greatest leaders, start this process and take it seriously, rather than just doing the same thing over and over again! Although it can be much more difficult and time-consuming to do this, zero-based budgets, to analyze each line item, to determine the best future course of action, etc., and how to get the best, bang-for-the-buck!

5. Empathy: Since no one has all the questions or knows all the questions to ask, a great leader listens effectively and learns from every conversation and experience to hopefully gain the knowledge, expertise, judgment, and wisdom, to proceed, with true empathy, and approach real priorities, as well as perceptions, in the best way!

6. Articulate an inspiring message: To make the most of his opportunity to lead, an individual must articulate an inspiring, motivating message in a realistic but positive way (without wearing glasses, pink), in order to create an atmosphere, where more people are willing to listen, to follow and, hopefully, to seek more commitment and involvement!