Throughout history, there have been great leaders: civil rights leaders, business leaders, and spiritual leaders who have inspired millions. Leaders and visionaries such as John Lennon or Martin Luther King Jr. fought for unity and love and impacted people through their speeches or songs. Seeing these great men touch the hearts of millions made me want to become a CEO and an important leader in the lives of others. Not only do leaders have knowledge of politics, emotional values, and convey a certain message or “vision” to their followers or colleagues, but they also have certain special characteristics that make them great leaders or heroes. So what makes these people different from you and me? Could it be that they are more beautiful? Perhaps they speak in parables or make great speeches? I have often been told that a good leader is someone who guides both physically and mentally. Participating in the job shadowing program gave me the opportunity to broaden my view of the efficiency and effectiveness of a good leader in the workplace. What was demonstrated to me during my numerous interviews with the board of directors is that every leader must have the ability to have integrity, to listen, to have a vision and must be responsible. Accountability is an important key to being a great leader because it is both a curse and a gift. There is a difference between taking responsibility for something and giving responsibility. Being entrusted with responsibility for a certain thing is a privilege because it reveals a certain type of confidence. Certainly, as a CEO, knowing the difference between the two could save your life; for example, giving responsibilities to employees can increase productivity by leaving middle of paper ...... public, or anywhere. The power to decide what to do influences both the person making the decision and those around them. The power to decide whether to become a good or bad leader depends on each person. Whether we choose to be a leader or a follower, to be ambitious or responsible, it always comes down to deciding what is good for yourself and others. Works Cited Colonel Ermer, DP (May 26, 2010). Under power. (FE Tinajero, interviewer) "Martin Luther King%2C Jr." BrainyQuote.com BrainyQuote.com. 2010. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/john_lennon.html “Che Guevara.” ThinkExist.com 2010. May 28, 2010 http://thinkexist.com/quotes/ernesto_'che'_guevara/2.html.