High school and college kids spend a lot of time thinking about majors they’d like to pursue and ultimately about a lifetime vocation or profession. There’s a lot to consider. You have to reflect on what you are truly passionate about. Then there is the issue of innate ability. There is a reason that some people are impressively articulate at a young age or are easily able to grasp mathematical concepts: People simply possess natural abilities. In addition, it gets even more complicated when a person consciously or unconsciously bases their decision on their value system; some people are called to serve by becoming, for example, a medical doctor or member of the clergy.

Fortunately, high school and college counselors as well as involved parents are always there to provide guidance. That’s why it’s interesting that there is one skill that is often overlooked: the ability to lead. Of course, “leader” is hardly a job title or role unto itself. Rather, there are roles that demand leadership ability. Chief executive officers, politicians, higher military ranks and coaches in every sport are among the many positions that require leadership skills to be successful. 

The good news is that leadership can be taught and learned. It does require certain skills and abilities, but a person need not be at the far end of the bell curve for any skill to develop into a highly effective leader.  Writing for Inc.com, Peter Economy sums up the situation nicely: “Great leadership is the backbone of any successful business or organization. While some great leaders are born with specific qualities, others must learn over a lifetime.”

Economy goes on to list five skills or traits that a person needs and should focus on developing in order to excel in a role that requires leadership.

“Crystal-clear communication.” It stands to reason: It’s hard to lead people if you don’t tell them where you’re going. That means you personally have to have a clear understanding of where you’re headed or your ultimate goals. Then you let your team know exactly what you’re thinking in clear, unambiguous terms.

“Unwavering decisiveness.” Achieving a worthwhile goal is usually difficult. That means that you’re going to run into obstacles or challenges along the way. Good leaders confront the challenge and persevere. Once they make a decision they stick by it. That’s “decisiveness.” Your team will understand that success rarely comes overnight.

“Bold courage.” Like the ability to lead, courage is not simply something you’re born with. How do you develop courage as a character trait? As Economy says, “It takes getting out of your comfort zone and building confidence to take risks, big and small. Great leaders are willing to push past their fears and they trust themselves in order to succeed. Courage is not the absence of fear but rather action in the face of fear.”

“Infectious passion.” It’s hard to achieve a goal if you really don’t care about it. That’s as true in business as it is your personal life. Approach any task or long-range goal with enthusiasm and you will ignite enthusiasm in those you’re leading.

“Genuine humility.” There is a simple truth at the heart of humility: You do not achieve anything without help from others. Respect your team and acknowledge how important they are to the group’s success. Inspiring everyone to do their best begins by offering gratitude for their role and their work.