Become a MUCH better leader in 10 steps

Being a better leader in your business or personal life is highly important and attributable to success. Too often people lose sight of their leadership potential. However, it can be retained by following the best principles that leadership employs.

1. Be a good listener!  First a quote from a trusted author: "When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." - Ernest HemingwayIn order to maintain any good relationship, listening is the greatest foundation. You need to listen to your customers, prospects, friends, workmates, etc. Listening more will help people realize that you don't bloat your importance, you don't be selfish, and that you are open to what they have to say.
2. Be a great storyteller. Let people hear some of your life's work, especially if you can successfully engage their attention. But make sure that you are telling the right stories, ones where people can act on. British author, Karen Armstrong said it well: "Storytelling is fine as long as you can encourage people to act on the stories."
   
   I think she's right on the money there. You don't want to tell stories that are foolish. But, rather, tell stories that reflect wisdom. It's a great way to put ideas to good work.
   One of the best examples of a good story would be to tell somebody about your business a bit (without revealing too much info). "My business is flourishing, nine states have accepted my products, and I have two new employees. Our product line is focused on athletes, which tells us to make things more robust and catered to their needs."
3. Be transparent and authentic. You must be a truthful, honest person, so people will find you trusted and noble. Businesspeople who attempt to keep secrets will be exposed, eventually. Being yourself, and being honest is absolutely the best way to become trusted. Openness and honesty, in the end, will lead to much happier customers, employees, and colleagues. People will hold you to highest regard. Don't forsake anyone of these traits, as they are key to your success as a leader.
4. Be good at teamwork. Working with other people well is a great way to let others know that you're humble enough to treat them equal to yourself. No matter how small your company is, you will interact with people daily. Lettings others shine a bit, encouraging them, introducing them to great ideas, and practicing humility by rewarding them - these are things to lead to a culture of success.
5. Be passionate. It's always good to love your work. Motivational speaker, Tony Robbins once said, "There is no greatness without a passion to be great, whether it's the aspiration of an athlete or an artist, a scientist, a parent, or a businessperson."
   
   Those who love what they do, they seem to not call their work "work", but instead, call it their passion.
6. Be grateful about everything. Gratefulness is the key to realizing what good things that you have. Likable leaders are grateful for the people who have helped them in opportunities, and even success.
7. Be responsive. Many people ask about responsiveness, and it is said to best be responsive, which in turn, will make you more trusted. If somebody sends you an email, it's best to use the one-two hour response rate. When you do respond, use short writing, and make it simple to understand. Whether, it's email, phone calls, notes, or tweets, it's best to respond in a good amount of time, which will allow you to make a positive impact.
8. Be a simple person. Don't be complex. Have a single personality, and make things easy for people to understand. Being complex not only confuses a lot of people, but people can get the wrong message. They can also realize that you are not caring enough about the way that they think. By catering to simplicity, you can make people understand easier, and it will show your leadership good.
9. Treat others like you'd want them to treat you (The Golden Rule). Always treat people fairly, I say. By showing people the same courtesy you'd expect from them, they see that they can respect you a bit better.
10. Be likable. It is best that people have a certain regard for you. Feel free to continue reading on these matters of being likable.

By adopting these simple concepts, it's safe to say that people can trust you as a good leader. Please feel free to comment or leave suggestions, as always.