What does it take to be an effective leader? Below are 11 principles, or secret building blocks, of leadership.

1. You musk know yourself first and self-improve.

Before you become a great leader, ask yourself first. What do I have that makes me capable of leading? What are my values? What are my attitudes and goals? Studying oneself either through self-reflection or interaction with other people will help you reassess your values and skills needed for leadership. After seeking your attributes and harness them.

2. Know your tasks.

Being a leader does not mean you go bossing around other people, commanding them to do things that you yourself do not know or cannot do. You, of all people, should know your job and your followers' (co-team players' in others words) as well. Knowing yours and your group's tasks will guide your ability to accomplish a task.

3. Responsibility is the key.

When you did something wrong in your group or organization, do not blame other people for your mistakes. Mistakes happen all the time and it depends on us on how to improve and not do them the next time they happen. When something goes awry, analyze the situation. Do a corrective measure. And then try not to do it the next time. 4. Good decision-making skills.

A good leader knows how to and does make timely and sound decisions. He or she does that by assessing a problem or task, weighing the pros and cons of a decision, implements it, and evaluates. A good leader also tries to improve his methods in problem solving and decision making so that a situation rises, he or she doesn't panic and make mistakes.

5. Be an example.

If you come to presentations unprepared, what would your subordinates or co-team players think of you? You should lead by example. Address tasks promptly and proficiently. They want to see that you could also handle your responsibilities welland not just them.

6. Look out for your people.

Remember: You work with people. These are not robots, working emotionless. If somebody is very sick, then probably it would be nice if you tell him or her to take a day off. Or when you successfully clinched a deal with a client, don't you think your subordinates would think of you highly when you give them bonuses or some form of reward?

Understand, that like you, they are also people. Know them and appreciate their efforts. Sincerely care for your subordinates.

7. Provide your subordinates with information.

Update your subordinates of the projects that your company or group is currently doing. Tell them your assessments, so that they would also feel your reasons for finishing certain tasks. Let them understand where you're coming from, so that, in the end, they would also have the same motivation as you when it comes to accomplishing a certain goal.

8. Instill the value of responsibility among your subordinates.

Help your subordinates develop good working habits and character traits. These in turn will help your co-team players handle their responsibilities at work.

9. Communication channels should be open between you and your subordinates.

Communication is the key. You should inform your subordinates your expectations from them. If they have problems, tell them that they can ask you.

10. You are a team.

Remember that you are there with your subordinates to work, as efficiently as possible, to accomplish something.

11. Harness your organization's capabilities.

If you develop your team's spirit, you will work as one and by doing so, you will be able to maximize the full potentials of your team.

Remember: Anyone can be a leader. Anyone that is willing and determine to accomplish a goal can be a leader. One can improve his or her traits by focusing on his desirable ones and channel these to defeat the unhealthy traits. That is why there is no such thing as a perfect leaderevery leader has his or her share of unhealthy traits. Instead, better leaders, try to harness their desirable traits and overcome their ugly ones.