Great leaders share many common traits; traits that you and I probably have, too. For one thing, they are human. They have made mistakes and failed; they have overcome disappointment, heartache, tragedy, and grief. No great leader has ever been able to escape the roller coaster ride of life.

Warren Bennis said:

The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.

Becoming a great leader is a work in progress. There are a number of events that occur in the life of a leader where they were required to act on specific personal qualities or traits that enabled them to lead people to achieve successful outcomes.

I believe that everybody has the potential to be a great leader within themselves.

Nelson Mandela is an example of a person who had a personal philosophy and mindset that enabled him to become a great leader. He didn’t think he was anyone special, however, when placed in a situation where he would be tested and isolated from life, his personal philosophy became the mantra from which he became a great leader.

You may not know it, but you hold the beliefs, attitudes, and traits that are of leadership quality. Here are thirteen signs that you have the mindset of a leader. If you “unleashed” your leadership mindset, there is no doubt that you would become the “great leader” you were born to be.

1. You Are a Realist and an Optimist

You accept that life is unique, and it is what it is. You like to deal with the reality of life, however, because you are an optimist, you have hope for the future and a positive outlook on life.

You believe that there will always be a way to sort out any situation you may face in life. Your optimistic view of life is contagious and a source of positive energy for those around you.