Two words that weren't repeated enough in this essay, especially one with a focus on trust. 1. EMPATHY Great leaders have empathy towards their customers, the

Two words that weren't repeated enough in this essay, especially one with a focus on trust. 1. EMPATHY Great leaders have empathy towards their customers, their employees, and above all, to their cause, which is what is contagious. This is an emotional connection that garners an emotional response. The person that initiates the connection is leading. The person responding is following. When this pattern repeats itself, it strengthens the form and function of the relationship. 2. RESPONSIBILITY Taking responsibility is not to be confused with taking blame, because they are opposites. Responsibility is taken before the mistake, and doesn't go away after the mistake. When the mistake happens, you apologize, then fix it, because you're still responsible. Blame is only taken after the mistake. It ends with an apology or a legal defense, possibly an acceptance of punishment, and afterwards we forget it all happened. One is progressive. The other is regressive. There was also one word that wasn't even mentioned. 3. PROMISES A leader makes promises, and delivers on them, until everyone succeeds. They make promises to clients, to customers, to partners, to investors, and to employees. You cannot be a liar and keep promises. You cannot be incompetent and keep promises. You cannot make excuses and keep promises. You have to be aware, proactive, and capable to even know which promises to make. And with every promise you keep, you've just given everyone another excuse to trust you, depend on you, and follow you. In a nutshell, if they can promise to be responsible for delivering on a cause they deeply believe in, they're a leader.