Whenever most people think about leadership and the success that is attached to it, they often only consider one side of the equation. Most people view leadership as the ability to motivate others to do what you require them to do, but the missing half is also that apart from leading others, you lead yourself to success.

Being a respectable leader is more than simply being at the forefront of the crowd. A leader must play a part. Too often, we simply acknowledge that someone looks or sounds like a leader and too rarely do we really look at the actions that leader performs -- which is the real test of leadership.

However, in order to grow to be respectable leaders ourselves, we need to concentrate on actions more readily than simple appearances. We will discuss three simple steps to better leadership, so just think of these as actions that you should take regularly.

Step #1) You Need To Be Alert For New Opportunities. If you stopped and gives some thought about the world's inventors, explorers, and agents of social change who have achieved greatness, you might easily agree that some of them were successful because they are lucky to be in the right place at the right time. And while that does have its merits, the truth is, if they did not have their eyes opened at the time those opportunities showed up, it would not have mattered if they were in the right place---they would not have succeeded

Step 2) Develop Your Inner Detective. If you keep your mind open, you will often find that life gives you an abundance of clues to help you find answers to challenges and situations that you may need to deal with from time-to-time as a leader. Practice the art of exploring beneath the surface and constantly ask questions that can reveal valuable insights. Of course you do realize by now that this is an extension of the third step in that you are seeking new knowledge. But this also means that sometimes you will need to move away from the regular paths of conventional knowledge to uncover newer ways and ideas of getting results.

Sometimes you will want to move away from the bestsellers list in the bookstore and read something else that people aren't talking about. Most of the times, some folks only read the bestsellers to keep up with the popular conversations - not to learn and grow from what they read. Don't be a slave to popular leadership culture, seek out the unconventional thinkers, teachers, and writers, those who help you explore other avenues of reaching your leadership goals and deepening your well of understanding and experiences.

Finally, never let negativity be your last word on the subject. If your final words are negative than no matter how hopeful you may be about the potential of a project or action the lasting impression you give to others is one of negativity. Accentuate the positive and you are more likely to see a positive outcome.

If you follow these eight action steps not only you will be a better leader but also lead yourself to a more successful life.