Defining leadership characteristics is not simple. This is because each leader has his\her own characteristics. However there are some common features required for an exemplary leader. A typical leader should know how to influence his team members to work harder and committed to achieve the overall organizational goals. A leader can be either task oriented or people oriented. Task oriented leader will be interested in training, performance and in winning. Whereas people oriented leader will concentrate more on inter personal relationship. 

Leadership style differs from person to person according to the tasks, team and individual capabilities. However the following tips will help to achieve effective leadership styles;

* Whenever possible, delegate the work to the employee as a whole. But be sure that the employee understands the whole process. You can also connect them in a group if possible.  

* Ensure that the employees understand what you exactly want them to do. You can ask questions and watch their work time to time in order to confirm that they understand the work fully.

To help you be, know, and do; (U.S. Army, 1973) follow these eleven principles of leadership (later chapters in this guide expand on these and provide tools for implementing them):

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement - In order to know yourself, you have to understand your be, know, and do, attributes. Seeking self-improvement means continually strengthening your attributes. This can be accomplished through self-study, formal classes, reflection, and interacting with others.

Factors of leadership : There are four major factors in leadership:

Follower:
Different people require different styles of leadership. For example, a new hire requires more supervision than an experienced employee. A person who lacks motivation requires a different approach than one with a high degree of motivation. You must know your people! The fundamental starting point is having a good understanding of human nature, such as needs, emotions, and motivation. You must come to know your employees' be, know, and do attributes.