Although leadership is a practicable skill that can be developed and nurtured like any other skills, it is largely driven by the set of values, convictions, principles, and beliefs that leaders intrinsically developed and cherished through their lives.

I met a banker recently who strived to convince me that he possesses all the great leadership traits. We discussed financial crises and he hinted that lay-offs are part of the solution to account for some savings. His internal belief system immediately contradicted the rules of leadership. Leadership is a social responsibility.

Our beliefs and values guide our actions and behaviours. Most managers do not become leaders because their internal values and beliefs contradict their actions. By holding two contracting beliefs, managers will never break through the cycle of management.