5 Essential Traits Leaders Should Embody Embodying these traits may help you become an impactful leader.

If you talk to ten people about what it takes to be an effective leader, you will get ten different answers. Every person has a different point of view about leadership and what traits make for a good leader. People usually assign leadership to position, but as Donald H. McGannon, who ran Westinghouse Broadcasting Corporation and served as president of the National Urban League, said: "Leadership is action, not position."

Mr. McGannon's definition of leadership hits the mark. Leadership is not about position. I learned this concept early in my business career. I saw individuals with leadership titles who did not embody what it means to truly lead.

Everyday leaders have the power to influence those around them, either positively or negatively. The mandate for leaders is to be leaders who strive to positively impact those around them, causing those influenced by their leadership to become better leaders themselves.