Qualities of Leadership The answer to the question of what truly makes a leader has been marked by both its elusiveness and ambiguity. As far back as one can look in history it seems that the great leaders of men are those fearless and intelligent men who put the interests of those whom they lead before themselves. However, one must ask whether the measure of a leader is truly marked by his courage and magnanimity. Surely, these are qualities of a great man, but are great men, by virtue of being great, also great leaders? Unfortunately in order to truly attempt to answer this question one must look past general qualities of character, and attempt to understand how these individuals were able to achieve what they have through a thorough analysis of what they have done as well as how they are perceived. With all this being understood it should be understood that leaders are outliers. They are those who are marked by qualities that, for whatever reason, others do not. Consequently, these qualities can be seen in one’s ability to have and seek aspirations that will challenge one’s self, recognize opportunity when it presents itself, have the courage to take risk, properly utilize the resources at one’s disposal, maintain an air of confidence and positivity, and pursue the cultivation of one’s intellect with an insatiable hunger. One who does all these things has the makings of a leader within them, and in the world of professionalism we find ourselves in today one would be well suited to pursue them so that they might be the next great leader. Although, one cannot expect to lead without having set goals for one’s self, and furthermore, the goals one sets should be challenging in nature. It is critical to understand the self-fulfilling prophecy is an all to present reality in our lives, and this could not be more true in a professional setting. Before other can