Top Qualities of Leaders

Leadership skills are vital in any organization. Whether you are heading your own firm, are a manager in a small business, or are a low rung employee in a big company, leadership skills can make your ascent up the corporate ladder easier and rewarding. I won't even mention the benefits of leadership skills in the realm of personal relationships.
Contrary to popular belief, leadership skills can be learned at any age. Our conventional wisdom has told us for centuries that "good leaders are born, not made". This wrong thinking has stopped millions of people from truly realizing their true potential.
As a leader, you are expected to have a number of qualities. Some of these are:
1. Observational Powers
As a leader, it is important to be very observant of yourself, and those around you. In an office setting, you should be able to carefully observe employee habits, work ethic, interactions, etc. The hallmark of a true leader is that he is able to blend himself into any social situation. Without strong observational skills, this would be quite difficult.
2. Taking Responsibility
It goes without saying that a leader has to lead from the front and take responsibility whenever needed. When it comes to decision making, the leader should be able to reconcile all the opinions around him and take a responsible decision. Similarly, when the team underperforms or makes a mistake, the leader should be able to stand up and take responsibility.
3. Strong Decision-Making Skills
A leader's primary job is to take decisions. Whether it is deciding upon the purchase of an item for the house, approving a project in the workplace, or agreeing on a strategy in a team sport, a leader should be able to break down the conflicting opinions around him and come to a sound conclusion. This often involves making choices that may not sit well with the majority, but are inherently right by them self.