Know thyself

Why is it that some people excel in leadership roles, while others fail? Much has been written about this subject, and while one definitive answer hasn't emerged, the dialogue suggests that are several critical factors that appear to differentiate between a star performer and an average leader.

Everyone defines leadership success differently; some might look only at titles, while others focus more on responsibilities and the amount of influence wielded. What separates those who are stellar as leaders from everyone else is the fact that they've buoyed their success by having a clear understanding of themselves. Specifically, you must be willing to prioritize self-exploration to understand both the needs and motivators that compel you to achieve, along with determining your willingness to engage in risk to achieve your goals.

Focus on needs and motivators
David McClelland, a pioneer in motivational theory, developed an “acquired needs theory” proposing that people's specific needs are acquired over time and shaped by their life experiences. According to this theory, a person's motivation and effectiveness in his or her job are influenced by needs that can be classified in three areas:
1. Need for achievement. People with high achievement needs seeks the attainment of realistic but challenging goals and advancement on the job. There is a strong desire to succeed and excel in their work. Researchers further suggest that there are different factors that impact your need for achievement at work. Those factors include wanting: