The payoff for the ethical person is a reputation for honesty. Its a payoff that makes every undertaking easier and attracts unsolicited opportunities. Its also a payoff that results in strong friendships based on trust. And I dont think theres anything more rewarding. -Don Dwyer

How much energy do you invest in developing your natural abilities and skills? Would you rather be a leader or a follower? Leaders like winning and tend to think well of themselves. They influence others by what they do, rather then by what they say. Most of the time, leaders also do the right things. Followers like to look for anyone that will tell them what to do and carry them through life. They are never in a position of power and are not rewarded for their lack of leadership ability.

When you help others discover their abilities, and achieve greater success and happiness, you become better at what you do and add to your emotional prosperity. These qualities are the power of leadership. Others are moved by your behavior and influence; this is ethics in action. Leaders are valuable in any organization. You are looked up to, able to make good decisions, and your strength to build on past successes is valuable.

Leaders must demonstrate a high level of ethics. Acting in a moral light, obeying the laws, and following through on your commitments, is the payoff for doing the right thing. It makes each task that you have to do much easier and many unexpected opportunities will come your way. Now thats rewarding.

Success is based on ethical goals. It carries with it a moral and ethical quality that is based on your value system. When you become successful by unethical, or dishonest means, it is not lasting. Therefore, success built on goals that include good moral values, means more and lasts longer. You feel better and others respond to your good moral character.

10 WAYS TO ACQUIRE LEADERSHIP POWER

1. Set ethical examples for others to imitate: being moral, honest, trustworthy, and reliable.

2. Associate with others who match your values and passion for success.

3. Train others to reach for their goals.

4. Give praise when or where its due.

5. Show gratitude as often as possible.

6. To be not only in command of others, but of self.

7. To not be afraid to make and admit mistakes.

8. Having a good grasp on managing your time.

9. Knowing how to seek and accept guidance when required.

10. Believing in the power of Faith.

Managing and controlling your thoughts, ideas, and actions; being the best you can be and helping others be their best are signs of good leadership. And demonstrating good moral values is the greatest part of being a leader. When you make every effort to reveal your best self-image you will never feel a lack of confidence, and your most cherished plans and aspirations will materialize. If your image is satisfactory, you will often value your abilities, skills, and actions, and your plans will move you toward success. Are you continuing to be a leader?

Copyright 2004 byGerri D Smith

Gerri D Smith

Gerri D Smith combines apparel fashion design and creative writing into a successful and growing mini-business known as Distinctive Impressions. For more then ten years, Gerri seeks to inspire thousands of others to realize their goals, to look and feel ?distinctive? in the way they dress, and to improve their professional image.

With a deep passion for creating women's fashions and accessories for day and evening wear, her clients include professionals whom she has named "VIW's" (Very Important Women), as well as other small, medium, and large sized women . Her other interests include organizing, producing, and participating in promotional fashion shows, fashion contests, art and craft sales, as well as coordinating and participating in fund-raising events that show off both her fashion and small business/entrepreneur skills.

Gerri?s apparel and accessory designs are promoted and marketed both online and offline around the Bay Area, and are sold to private clients. As a free-lance designer, many of her designs are one-of-a-kind and by special-order.

Her love of writing is portrayed in her ongoing self-improvement and motivational articles, an inspirational non-fiction book, and a modern contemporary, and inspirational romance novel. Gerri?s published books are marketed nationwide through the world wide web and offline to business women and romance novel readers.

Gerri is host and publisher of an inspirational newsletter that encourages, motivates, and supports individuals, small business owners, and women entrepreneurs to go for their dreams. The newsletter is an internet resource creating multiple ways for subscribers to unlock the doors to success and improvement. And it is Free. Now, being able to share two of her deepest passions - creative fashion designing and creative inspirational writing with others is her greatest pleasure.

In addition to producing her fashions, accessories, and her creative writing to inspire and encourage others, in her spare time Gerri also finds great pleasure in researching, studying and learning new skills. She hopes to broaden her expertise with public speaking on business leadership and personal improvement. Her two self-published books, one a full length contemporary romance fiction novel, titled ?A Challenge of Love,? and an inspirational non-fiction book titled, ?31 Cups of Inspiration,? are modern classics and will inspire others for a long, long time.