What does a leader look like? Is the leader tall, short, loud or confident? Or maybe the leader is soft-spoken, but operates with a sense of urgency. Think of two leaders, famous or not, whom you admire and respect. What do they do that is different from others? What traits do they have that help them excel at a high level? Great leaders have specific traits in common. These traits can be learned and developed—by you. Today and tomorrow, Promotional Consultant Today shares 10 traits of great leaders.

1.    Great leaders lead by example with an overriding guiding vision or purpose. They possess an unquenchable passion for successfully implementing the vision of the company regardless of the disapproval of those individuals who fail to see the bigger picture. They don't waste time worrying about day-to-day responsibilities or problems. Instead, they focus on where the organization needs to go.

2.    Great leaders know how to be themselves and are proud of who they are. Because they are comfortable with who they are, they are able to do what they need to do and say what they need to say with conviction-and without caring about what anyone else thinks.

3.    Great leaders have the ability to inspire confidence in others. They can clearly and concisely communicate their message to motivate those around them to greater heights of achievement. People will do more for leaders they respect than they would do for anyone else.

4.    Great leaders are never self-serving. Unlike the star employee, they aren't focused on proving themselves but are focused unconditionally (and not selfishly) on what is best for the organization. They put their vision for the company above their own interests.

5.    Great leaders rarely question themselves. Instead, they listen to their inner voice and trust it completely, allowing it to be their guide with each step they take, even as they move in directions that no one has gone before. To be a great leader, you must believe in this voice and trust that it will always be there to guide you.

Do any of these traits resonate with you? Not sure? View more tips for effective leadership in tomorrow's PCT.

Source: Joel Garfinkle is recognized as one of the top 50 business coaches in the U.S., and is the author of seven books including Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level. He has worked with many of the world's leading companies including Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Ritz-Carlton, Gap, Cisco and Oracle.