Leadership skills are necessary for any student of
management.  If you do not aspire to a management role, the study
of the basic leadership skills will help you to be a better
member of a group.  Although many people are born with a talent
for leadership ability, leadership skills can also be acquired
and developed.
	All people are potential leaders.  If they have the desire
and are given the opportunity, they can develop into effective
leaders.  In a group there can be many positions of leadership at
different times.  Since group goals and tasks change, positions of
leadership will also change.  New leaders can emerge with each
change of tasks.  Power can shift from one person to another in a
truly democratic group.
	Leadership in a group depends on the immediate goals of the
group and the leadership qualities that the individuals are
looking for at that given time. From the group an effective
leader will emerge who will understand the situation at hand.
	A good leader will be aware of the impact that he or she has
on the group. The effective leader will use the power he or she
possesses to mold the situation into the final results.  This
leader will assess all factors in a group situation even when the
factors point to an outcome that is opposite of his or her
personal needs.  The truly effective leader will put the needs of
the group above his or her own needs.
	The characteristics of an effective leader are varied.  The
most common charcteristics are self-confidence, intelligence,
integrity, and a caring spirit.  The leader has to want the role
as leader and be competent in handling new situations.  To be
effective, the leader must be consistent and reliable.