Many organizations today place multiple demands on their leaders to provide vision, initiate change, and make difficult decisions when necessary. In order for leaders to manage these demands, they must be able to be flexible and, above all, be able to adapt to change. Having strong leadership skills and a sense of direction are part of the characteristics that successful companies look for in a leader. Therefore, it is important for leaders to engage effectively with their subordinates in order to create commitment, in order to motivate and improve the quantity and quality of their work. Good leaders will find innovative ways to motivate their staff using a variety of skills, whether through training or experience, that will help achieve a common goal. Leadership Skills The Girl Scouts of America follows a quote, which states; “Leadership is essential to getting things done. But the qualities of a good leader – self-knowledge, commitment, willingness to seek support from others, openness to change and the desire to go the extra mile can determine whether someone chooses to follow them.” (Leader, 2004) This can be used as an example of how a leader can make a difference when you have a supported team. Additionally, it is important for a leader to be proactive by thinking three steps ahead with the goal of avoiding problems before they arise. The article “Leading to Leadership” refers to this as preventive maintenance where it helps you change, grow and improve. Other qualities include initiative, flexibility, good communication, respect, self-confidence, enthusiasm, open-mindedness, consistency and delegation with professionalism. We all have the ability to provide leadership in one way or another, whether as professionals or as parents… somewhere in between… and enabling them to reach their full potential is the gift of a great leader. Conclusion A leader is someone who strives to help others become more than they ever thought possible. Great leadership is unleashing the potential of a group, company or organization. Not necessarily telling them what to do, but really inspiring your subordinates to see what they're capable of and then helping them get there because sooner or later someone has inspired us too. Works Cited Glen Llopis (2013) 10 Ways to Inspire Your Team, Retrieved from: Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2013/05/06/10-things-inspire-teams-to-optimally -perform/ Leadership qualities retrieved from: Leader, Fall 2004 https: //www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/leader_magazine/2004_fall/five_qualities.aspLeading to Leadership: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/ leadled.html