Former U.S. President John Adams said, ”If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” People follow only those whom they respect, trust and admire. The key to becoming such a leader lies in character.

I believe that leaders must have courage. Yet even more than physical courage, the leaders must require moral courage. Insisting on doing the right thing despite pressure to act otherwise takes such courage. Leaders must face fear and doubt in many of the decisions they make. However, courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it’s doing the right thing despite one’s fear.

Leaders are humble. Being humble simply means having an accurate view of one’s own limitations. Everybody has limitations. Leaders deal with theirs by seeking help from others. When leaders seek help, they recognize the skills that other people bring to the table. And when they are successful, leaders generously praise all who contributed to the success. Humble leaders don’t promote themselves; they promote others.

Leaders should serve others. Leaders serve others and put the needs of others before themselves. They make the good of everyone on the team a personal priority. Leaders who serve others help the whole team accomplish more.

What motivates one to really put his heart into something? The answer is passion-the feeling that the activity is significant. Outstanding leaders inspire others because they are motivated by passion for what they do. Leaders show the significance of routine work to others by emphasizing the big picture. They demonstrate how an activity not only benefits the individual, but also one’s family, community and entire society. Their passion ignites the passion of others.

One’s integrity can be measured by what one does when nobody is looking. Leaders practice what they preach all the time, not just in the presence of others.

Finally, Leadership is more about who you are than what you know or can do. By following these principles, you can become a better leader.