When conducting workshops on various leadership topics I tend to list several points for being effective in the area being discussed. Inevitably someone will ask, “Of all the points you listed, which is the most important?” Listed below are several leadership topics followed by my typical response.
TIME MANAGEMENT: What gets scheduled gets done. Schedule your action items in specific time slots. If you get blocked on an item re-schedule it.
COMMUNICATION: Stay in the moment. Wherever you are, be there. Give the other person your undivided attention. Make appropriate eye contact. Eliminate distractions. Ask questions.
MOTIVATION: Help people feel “special.” Pay attention to them; spend time with them; get to know them; take a sincere interest in things they are interested in; listen to them; and encourage them.

Successful human relations is really the art of making other people feel good about themselves. – Dr. Walter Doyle Staples
Integrity is the cornerstone of trust, and trust is the cornerstone of all relationships. Therefore, trust and integrity are essential in order to develop your personal leadership.
Is it your mother or father? Husband or wife? Brother or sister? Your boss? Politicians? Of course the answer is: YOU are in charge of YOUR future.
Be nice.