To lead others, you must have confidence, focus, charisma and wisdom. These are all things you are born with, or not. However, there are still a few pointers you can take to help you on your way.

Firstly, realise that people will follow people only if they feel they know more than them, this means that if you are a mechanics expert who has entered a car fixing competition, you will become the leader. If you are great at orientating and your group are lost, they will turn to you for help. It is not so important that you really are an expert, more that you appear to them to be an expert. Seem like you know what you are doing, and don't let there be a trace of doubt in your ideas. Sound certain about everything you say. This may make you feel cocky, but it will come across as confidence.

There is a difference though between confidence and arrogance, make sure you stay open to other ideas and suggestions or your team will rebel. Listen to their ideas and even if you do not agree - never put them down. Whenever you make an order, give options. This way you are letting them play an important part and they will not feel like you have taken control, however you will still have directed the ideas. For example - do you want to do A or B first? You must be fair in every respect, don't command others to do what you would not.

So what about day to day life? How can you be the one they follow in everyday situations? Well, this knowledge needs to change into decisiveness. Always take the initiative and be the first to act or speak up. Be the decisive one with the clear ideas.

For a psychological edge, follow these little hints:

• Wear red - red is the colour of leaders and affects others subconsciously. (Optimus Prime, Red Ranger... 'nuff said)

• Walk in front, the person in front 'becomes' the leader.

• Stand fully erect and puff your chest slightly, everyone else will walk with a hunch and so you will gain the advantage in height.

• All physical advantages work on a subconscious level, very often the strongest is leader. Go to the gym and wear clothes that exaggerate your figure.

• Try and speak with a slightly lower voice.

What's perhaps most important is that you are liked, you must be charismatic. Many people think that to be a leader they must be serious and bossy. Not so, if you are likeable and fun, people will not want to disappoint or upset you.

On a final note - in order to be a leader, you must not be a follower. Be individual, if your others do something you do not want to - walk away and do something else. If you are a good leader, they will follow you.

Mack LeMouse

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