It's a great question-are you a leader?  Some leaders have the title, but don't actually lead, or don't do it well. These leaders often do more damage than good. Two separate studies show that workers spend 35% of their working time complaining about their boss.

Some individuals become leaders by default. People choose to follow these leaders' actions or attitudes without the actual title.  Mother Teresa became a leader of millions through her passion, not through direction.

Oftentimes, people are promoted to a position of leadership because they are great at something.  Sadly, this rarely means they are great at leadership, communication or understanding - what those whom they lead need to succeed.

Seth Godin explores leadership in his book 'Tribes:' "Human beings can't help it: we need to belong.  One of the most powerful of our survival mechanisms is to be a part of a tribe, to contribute to (and take from) a group of like-minded people.  We are drawn to leaders and to their ideas, and we can't resist the rush of belonging and the thrill of new."

Leadership is a tough proposition. Studies show as many as 40% of newly promoted leaders fail in the first two years.  This is because while they are great at the skill which warranted this promotion, they are not given the time, patience or support to become great at actually leading others. 

It is not unusual, for example, for a long-time sales superstar be promoted to 'Director of Sales' with the instant expectation of taking the team to new heights.  Selling a product and leading a team are two completely different skill sets.

Leaders need resources to become great - 360° surveys, books, mentors.  A leadership coach is the fastest way to improve leadership skills because they take in to account the individuals you are leading, your company culture, and your individual style and skills.  It's tough to get this in-depth focus elsewhere.

We are all leaders in some aspect of our lives.  Please take this role seriously.  People depend on you to lead them.  They crave your vision, knowledge, calm yet strong influence, respect, understanding and confirmation that things will work out.