Leadership certainly does not come through election or appointment. Having a position, title, rank or qualification does not qualify anyone to lead other people. And skill does not automatically come from age or experience.” (Maxwell-Right, 7) The key to becoming a successful leader is not to focus on making other people follow you, but to become a person they want to follow. “A leader is great not for his power, but for his ability to empower others.” (Maxwell-21) During this semester I have studied a wide range of leaders and applied numerous leadership methodologies. As we began class, I began by discussing my father's leadership skills and how I follow him as the leader he is in my life. During my time in the classroom I looked elsewhere for leaders and observed principles everywhere around me. Hall of fame Duke Blue Devils basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, one of the greatest presidents to ever hold the position; Abraham Lincoln, as well as Sam Walton, the creator of Wal-Mart Supercenters, have had a great impact on my study of leadership. Over the course of studying these men I have been inspired and have organized a list of characteristics that would meet a comprehensive definition of “Leadership.” In this article I hope to explain my personal philosophy of successful leadership. There are numerous characteristics that fall within my philosophy, my methodology. An effective leader must possess the characteristics of Vision, Inspirational Power, Integrity and Service. By definition, a leader has a vision: what else could a leader lead people towards, if not towards realizing that vision? Leadership Principle: A leader must have a vision; must have a strong s...... middle of paper...... hopes to be a leader in the future, Christ shows the ultimate characteristics of a great leader; therefore it is imperative that each of us desire to direct our praise to God and not to ourselves.Org. Leadership really challenged me to work on some characteristics that I consider necessary for a leader. Through this document the characteristics of Vision, Power of Inspiration, Integrity and Service have been discussed, all of which have incredible importance in the life of a leader. As I continue to develop my leadership skills I will follow the examples set by present and past leaders, hoping to learn from their wisdom and experience. The leadership examples set by the Lord Jesus Christ have proven to have a tremendous impact on my leadership methods and in the future I will continue to hold Him up as an example that I will try to model as a leader..