[originaltext] For most of us, success and the ability to control our own fa

For most of us, success and the ability to control our own fate are linked to our ability to lead. Leadership, in fact, is something that concerns everyone. A leader does not necessarily occupy a formal leadership position, for example, as the assistant secretary of state or the chief executive officer.  Very often people with leadership titles are not necessarily leaders.  Parents, spouses, teammates, colleagues, friends, classmates or playmates can all be leaders if they so desire. A teacher can also be as a leader as he or she is a friend. In fact, most of us spend a great deal of time trying to get other people to do willingly what we want them to do, and that, in the purest sense of the term, is what leadership is all about. Of course, we can force people to do things for a short period of time, but that is not leadership. A true leader is apt to persuade and influence other people to accept his ideas, to follow him and to take action.
    So, what is the essence of leadership? Basically, what is required of a true leader? It is communication. Without communication, leadership does not exist. It is impossible to get someone to do something without verbal or nonverbal communication.  We rely on communication to manage and motivate. We use communication to resolve conflict and facilitate innovation as well as to negotiate.
    We may expect our leader to be frank, direct, and to the point. We may also expect that our ideal leader listens, is willing to talk, is open to discussion and constructive suggestions, is receptive to new ideas, and is supportive. But, in most social interactions and economic activities, an ideal and recognized leader invariably emerges as the most competent communicator.