Some people want to lead because they want more status and more money. Little do they know that they may also get more abuse. A good leader takes a little more of the blame, a little less of the credit and does a lot more of the work. It can be a lonely and frustrating position to be in.

Before taking on a leadership role, ask yourself these questions:

Do other people’s failures annoy me or challenge me?

Every company has employees who need help succeeding. Do you look for ways to help employees succeed? Do you encourage them to improve? If you are not a source of encouragement to others, being a leader is not for you.

Do I use people in my interactions, or do I offer constructive direction?

Simply, do you manipulate people, or do you respect them as potential professionals? If you are a manipulator, people will sense it and you will lose their loyalty. If you are a manipulator, being a leader is not for you.

Do I criticize or do I encourage?

Our first instinct is to criticize. As a leader, though, you are constructing people not destructing them. If you lean towards criticism, being a leader is not for you.

Do I focus on the mechanics or the objectives?

Are you wrapped up in telling people what to do or do you encourage your staff to learn from every task? Are you mor4e concerned with how things get done or are you focused on the ultimate objective? If you are more concerned with the mechanics, being a leader is not for you.

Do I shun controversy, or do I face my battles?

Some managers avoid conflict at all costs. Some managers look for any opportunity to argue. A successful leader picks battles carefully and fights them to win. You need to be prepared for controversy, but not seek it. If you shy away from controversy, being a leader is not for you.

Good leaders are invaluable. If you choose to become a leader, you must have a listening ear, an ability to discipline, and be able to undergo scrutiny, all without taking it personally.