Self-Mastery

The best leaders are thoroughly comfortable in their own skin.  They have developed an understanding and perspective about themselves that allows them to accept each day and all of the challenges that it brings as an opportunity to improve and grow.  They have mastered the four "Self's".

Self-awareness
Self-control
Self-management
Self-development 

Self-awareness is the ability to clearly and honestly assess your own strengths and weaknesses, drivers, passions, values, and persona or style. Since no person's personality is etched in stone, it is also the willingness to continually reflect upon one's self and to react to what you see.  Having this clarity in your life makes it easy to communicate your priorities and perspective to your team.

Self-control is the ability and desire to consistently be the "island of calm" in a stormy world.  Patience, empathy, discipline, and respect are the skills that added together project self-control.  Remember that this isn't just about verbal communication, but also about controlling your look, mood, and non-verbal cues as well.

Self-management involves constant reflection upon your personal skill set.  How effectively you delegate, take initiative, hold yourself and others accountable, goal set, and your general overall wellness. Reflecting on your world view gives you the opportunity to make adjustments and improve day after day.

Self-development is the ability to sustain the three attributes above.  Lots of people have done one or more of the selfs, but for true leaders it is an everyday thing.  As with most things in life, starting is hard, finishing is harder still, but sustaining it day after day takes dedication.

Leaders who have mastered the self's have a positive aura that people feel almost instantly, call it confidence, charisma, charm, or whatever you like, Self-Mastery allows you to build a team of willing followers.