What is "Real" Leadership?

For too long we have been socialized and traditionalized to believe leadership is a title, a corner office, a degree or power.  It is none of these things.  Real leadership has a “softer” side to it.  I do not mean “weak.”  I am talking about courageous, visionary and authentic.  Authentic leaders are those that know how to “be real”—the ability to be honest and transparent with themselves and those they come in contact with.  Real leadership is the ability to live and lead the change that we expect in others.  That’s why real leaders never hide out in their office, they are always the visible symbol of what they want others to become.  This fundamental act is vital to winning.