Fast track to leadership

For years there has been an ongoing debate on whether leaders are born or bred - one I'm sure will continue for time to come so I won't get into it. One thing I have learned by experience is that whether you are a born or bred leader is that there is a fast track to leadership. Everyone, including me, likes a fast track - so let's go on...

Bill Gates said: "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." A leader is not only someone who leads from the front - when you can lead from the back or even the side, you are a true leader.

This Welsh proverb puts a different spin on it: He that would be a leader must also be a bridge. Indeed, what you make happen for others, God makes happen for you.

To truly lead, we must also be willing and committed followers. If you do not know how to follow, how can you know how to lead? It doesn't stop there, sometimes it's about stepping down or aside to give someone else the opportunity to grow - that's the empowering bridge piece. At other times, you just need to be a cheerleader - encouraging people to go on because you believe that they can do it - and they will.

You can be a leader wherever you are - just help others shine and you'll shine too...