...is efficient and effective communication. Usually that is defined in pure quantitative terms. As a leader, however, you will have to focus on the quality of your communication: what, with who, when, how and which details.

Thus, leadership is an interface between the team and sponsors, superiors, clients and partners. This involves both representative tasks and selling results.

For different situations, it demands the need of using the right tools and the right skills. Leadership also needs optimism in the midst of daily stress as well as creativity to overcome obstacles. Good leaders have a knack for communicating with a variety of people, too.

For managers - in the literal sense of the word - it is enough to reach the set targets and to control results. They often sit in meetings that are probably badly facilitated and they micromanage their team.

Leadership means taking charge and setting goals, taking responsibility and delegating both tasks and the rights to make decisions. It also means motivating people, taking defined risks and making strategic decisions. Leaders organise and steer implementation.

Leading virtual or international teams is a special challenge, because the option of quick consultations does not exist there. Communication is mostly based on emails. Under those circumstances, leadership means steering telephone- or video conferences and handling cultural diversity.