If your work requires little social interaction, this article may be of no interest to you. But if you're going to build a smart home business -- where the success of your business relies upon the relationships you build with customers (and other human beings in general) -- then assuming leadership is assuming success in your business.

To be a leader in business, you must wear the qualities of powerful, effective, and compelling people who empower others to succeed and attract success to themselves. You can be a leader in whatever circumstances-- whether you're heading up the cookie sales at your child's school or coordinating a community festival. Perhaps you're interested in chairing a committee or leading a project team. If you're in direct sales, you may be getting trained to be a leader so you can teach others to do what you do in your small home business.

Here are the top five attributes worn by a great leader:

TAKES INITIATIVE

If you're wishing others would step up to the plate or you're griping when things aren't going the way you'd like them to, seize the opportunity to step into a leadership role. I remember being so discouraged at all the garbage that would get strewn around on my city block. I grumbled that people weren't keeping their sidewalks clean and somebody should take on being a block captain. Then I realized it was I who was being called into action. If I wanted to see a difference, then I needed to make it myself. So look for opportunities where you can be the one who makes a difference -- rather than waiting for others to meet your expectations.

EMPOWERS OTHERS.

You don't have to "do it all" when you assume leadership. The best leaders are those that can inspire and motivate others to work individually and at group level so there's a harmonious "whole" where each person feels valued and is making a contribution. (Heed the words of John Maxwell, author of The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization, "If you're a leader, but no one's following, you're just taking a walk."

TAKES RESPONSIBILITY.

In leading others we may get disappointed from time to time when people aren't doing what we want them to do or they're not reaching their peak potential.

Certainly it is on the individual to accept responsibility for his or her role in the organization or team, but it is also up to you as the leader to assess your role and responsibility -- and wherever possible, ask yourself, "What could I be doing better?" "Who do I have to be to motivate this person?" "How can I acknowledge these team members for their contribution?"

LISTENS BEYOND WORDS.

What if we could listen to people as though we were listening from their point-of-view? This takes considerable training, starting with the first rule of listening, which is: Stop talking! It is one of the most effective techniques I've utilized in really getting to the heart of another person's experience of the world. It's a fantastic tool to use in sales and it's the way to communication mastery with other human beings. Good leaders know when to listen in and let others do the talking.

LEADS FOR THE SAKE OF LEADING.

If you're thinking of glory and gain when you take on leadership, you may get some of that for a while but the fanfare will be fleeting. Leading for the sake leading means you actually care about other people. You want to make a difference in their lives. You wish to see a change in the world and you're committed to making that difference, against all odds. Sometimes it's a lonely place to stand -- but just keep standing there. People will follow where there's good leadership.

When you're out in the world, practice being the one to raise your hand and offer to take on responsibility. Be the one who makes a difference with others. Someone who listens and is reliable, someone who takes action, and believes, achieves and succeeds.