Another aspect of role between leaders and followers is, of course, delegating tasks and responsibility. If you don't trust your followers enough to include them in decision-making process, then you are probably making decisions based on your needs and your perception of situation- which could be inaccurate. You do this without benefiting from insight, creativity, and input of those you lead. And you may not be making best choice because research shows that decisions made by groups of five or more are superior to individual decisions. If you don't trust these people enough to share information with them and ask for their input and opinions when decisions need to be made, why are they on your team?

When you don't trust your followers enough to delegate responsibility to them and leave them alone to get job done, you are communicating to them that they are inadequate, incompetent, and just don't have what it takes to accomplish results you want. Which, obviously, is not an effective way to either increase self-esteem or build a team.

The importance of followers is critical to success of any professional or personal organization. Without them, day-to-day running of group would cease to exist. There'd be no one to do "real work" that keeps unit alive and well. Treat followers well and you will be rewarded with type of behavior and attitudes listed above. Your rank of leader will be enhanced as you will have a well-rounded a nd more smoothly operating unit. A dream that can come true!

How balanced is your life? You may not be aware of it, but your actions and words do lead people to make judgment on how you live your life in seven major categories of mental, physical, family, social, financial, career, and spiritual. Make sure you spend some time in each, don't let two or three areas dominate constantly.

Your efficiency and effectiveness on job tells other people about your work habits. A casual appearance may be norm where you work but take care when you go elsewhere. A messy or too neat desk also impresses people in different ways - try to find a medium level that allows you to do your work but doesn't set up unnecessary discussion among others.

Mr. Cathcart states: "The way you conduct yourself conveys two important impressions: (1) your level of maturity and (2) your willingness to be flexible with other people. Maturity shows clearly in how people handle stress. If, at slightest provocation, you start griping or accusing or making sarcastic remarks toward other people, message is, I am not in control of myself. Flexibility deals with how you are able to adjust to people's different styles. Some people prefer a fast pace, others a slow one. Some are quite open and relationship oriented. Others are self-contained and prefer to focus on task at hand. If you can develop flexibility to adjust to these differences, then you will be perceived as a seasoned professional."

How's your attitude? Is it one of optimism or does it reside more often at other end of spectrum? That doesn't mean you have to be too cheerful or rarely display seriousness - again, think balance. Do both and several shades in between. It makes you more accessible and puts other people in a more comfortable frame of mind when around you. This also applies to your thought habits. Pay attention and make changes when you seem to be losing some effectiveness or feel a lessening of friendly overtures being directed towards you.

We'd all like to enhance our professional net worth, no matter what we are doing. The assets inherent in above items will provide a strong foundation for your career. Continually seeking to improve upon talents and skills you already possess will surely place you in a position of increased power.