Effective leadership characteristics are seen in the most successful people in life. If you have a position of responsibility, whether in your career, home or community, there are certain traits and leadership skills that will help you become a confident, capable, efficient leader.

Integrity
The most important trait in most lists of effective leadership skills is integrity. If a person is going to set an example and show real leadership, they must have a high degree of integrity. Not only should this characteristic include speaking the truth, but it should also include the strength of character to live true to your ideals and the things you claim to stand for in your position of leadership. Your life must match what you say.

Courage
Another trait necessary for effective leadership is courage. Courage is the ability to move forward and do the right thing, regardless of the circumstances. Courage is the ability to stand up and not fear whether your reputation will suffer for the sake of doing what is right. Courage is following through with the things you say you are going to do.

Goal Setting
The ability to set goals - short-term and long-term - is an important part of leadership. In order to accomplish a project, you need to break the project down into smaller steps you can set as goals. Each goal is a stair step on the journey to completion of the project.

Vision
Effective leadership requires a vision for the future. To guide and lead a group of people, either in your job or at home in your family, you need a vision of what your anticipated outcome will be when your goal is completed.

Enthusiasm
To develop and maintain effective leadership skills, you must have enthusiasm and passion for what you are doing. Enthusiasm is contagious and breeds hard work and dedication. Whatever your position of leadership, enthusiasm is the oil that greases the wheels of progress.