Without question, a universal factor for leadership success is the development of self-confidence. Everyone does something well. When you concentrate on strengths, skills and talents, they can become the backbone of your success.

Focus your energies. This doesn’t always mean putting in extra hours on the job or working weekends—although that sometimes may be necessary. It does mean developing a driving determination to get things done.

One practical way to direct your energies is simply to split your days up into manageable time segments. Not only do you acquire an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment when a good job is completed on schedule, but you also refuel remaining power to be ready to take on the next important task.

Initiative to assume responsibility is vital to success. You must be willing to accept responsibility for tasks assigned, or goals you’re directed to achieve, including, sometimes, the actions of others with whom you work. The same holds true for achieving success off the job. Seek out responsibility if it isn’t offered. Take on key chores others are unwilling to assume—or have avoided.

Develop a sense of what works in your organization. Some would call it a house style. If your company favors the tough-talking competitive type—or demands a ruthless 24-hours-a-day dedication to the bottom line—go for it or leave.

Don’t wait to be told. Observe. Ask questions. Listen to others and link their ambitions to your goals. Take action and deliver on your promises.

Keep your cool. Your personal emotions should play no role in reaching tough, analytical decisions. Before you blow your top in public, talk it out with yourself—in private. Reduce anxieties by acting out the situation—alone.

Ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Then, let your answer guide your actions. Another benefit: You avoid the tendency to run others down, or place blame.

None of this happens by chance, of course. The self-directed individual knows that a negative approach to any situation automatically puts the brakes on progress. To substantially reduce such a possibility, workable guidelines have to be established. This means scanning the territory for yourself, observing what is going on, making your own appraisal, and setting up a personal plan of action.

Significant research reveals that those who soar to success as leaders have these behaviors in common:

· Strong, outgoing personalities. They appear self-confident and self-sufficient. Their drive is powerful and self-sustaining.

· A knack for appearing unflappable, even in the face of embarrassing or challenging situations. This is because they’ve developed skill at analyzing and defining situations accurately.

· Energy to spare. Their vitality is renewable—even when engaged in leisure-time activities.

· Self-direction. At the same time they behave considerately toward others. While there is never a question about what they feel must be done, they’re not so assertive that it turns others off. Though they have an ability to command attention, they do it pleasantly.

· Daring. The unfamiliar holds few terrors for them. They adapt easily and quickly. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why employees stand loyally by them and willingly carry out instructions at any time.

It might seem wonderful if someone always laid out patterns of thought and action for us. But then, there would be no personal satisfaction from what we could accomplish or help others do.

Roger Fritz is the founder and president of Organization Development Consultants. His consulting (more than 400 clients), writing (51 books), and seminars focus on relating personal skills to company priorities. To read a free sample chapter of his latest book, “Why Stop Now: Resisting the Temptation to Retreat,” visit www.rogerfritz.com. Call him at 630-420-7673.