There is a universal code of good leadership that has a mix of resolve, empathy, education and inspiration that generates confidence, trust and admiration. Leadership is not status, prestige, privilege or money. It's responsibility and accountability.

No person ever succeeds to an important leadership position solely by his or her own efforts. Even before the individual is aware of his and/or her existence, powerful influences already are helping to shape his or her future. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, teachers, colleagues and mentors prepare the way, be it for good or ill. But, in the interest of time and space, there is one imperative that we should highlight and that imperative grows stronger and more complex daily - education. Education opens not only social and economic doors but also opportunities to be of service to our fellow men.

It is often said that we are now in an era of lifelong learning that merges work and education, and, to make progress, leaders must not only be competent in the basic skills but also know how to think and communicate, adjust to change, and be able to absorb new ideas and transmit them to others. A leader's success is more often than not a direct result of continuing to learn throughout his or her career. Consequently, they are better able to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

One of the most difficult lessons for all leaders to learn is to develop their ability to listen and learn. We never learn anything while we are talking. People are anxious to share their thoughts and ideas with us if they believe we are interested. It will be surprising to know how many good suggestions we can acquire from people at all levels if the leader will only listen.

A good leader patiently builds a consensus — prodding people while simultaneously listening, learning and involving them. But in the final analysis, some of the decisions that are made will not have everyone's agreement. Here are practical principles that should be of value for leaders faced with important decisions, be it business or personal:

1. Leaders should encourage straight talk from people and must graciously accept information and diverse opinions — even ideas they don't want to hear. The day leaders stop listening to people is the day you have stopped leading them.

2. Take time to visit with people at every level. Everyone has a vital role to play and it is the leaders job to convey to everyone the valuable role they perform. Programmes, concepts and plans don't accomplish work. It is people who get things done. Whatever a leader achieves is achieved through other people. So every job is important.

3. Spend enough time with those who report directly to you to determine what motivates them.

4. Don't be bound by past practices. Who said that the people and practices put in effect in the past fit today's environment? Don't be afraid to try new ideas — do things differently.

5. We all have preconceived notions but never let ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it. Never rest on your past performance.

6. Have a clear understanding with everyone as to what is expected from them.

7. Spend time with your people. Listen when they share their thoughts with you. It is possible that you will be exposed to a different point of view and some helpful suggestions as to how you can improve your area of responsibility.

8. A major responsibility of successful leaders is to take care of people. After all, these are the people who have made you a success and they are the people who will ensure your future success. You have a lot in common with these people. They are depending on you and you are depending on them.

9. While it is very important for leaders to have skilled advisors of proven ability, it is incumbent of leaders to pay attention to their own instincts and experience. Sometimes the advisors have more data than judgment and it is necessary to disregard advisors and rely on your own instincts and hard-won experience. Remember the leader has the ultimate responsibility for making the final decision.

In the world of business and government, you find two kinds of people. They are talkers and doers. The talkers are always ready to talk about what should be done and normally, who should do it, except them. The doer simply attacks the problem, solves it, and then moves on to something else. Remember programmes, concepts and plans don't accomplish work. It is people who get things done.

It's worth repeating that leadership is not status, prestige, privilege or money. It's responsibility, accountability and the ability to work through people to get the very best out of them. This sends a message of understanding, friendship and confidence. It reinforces the premise that every job is important, and individuals are valued. This leads to creativity, improvement in morale, a sense of commitment and increased productivity.

To be a good leader you must be strong, accomplished, gentle as well as wise. A leader with these attributes is guaranteed to bring out the best in others. It is essential for our leaders to adopt this model of leadership if we are to build a new and better Bermuda that is inclusive of all.