1 INTRODUCTION What should aspiring leaders do to become more effective? Numerous articles and books have been written discussing and defining the role of a leader and what one should do to become an effective leader. Each author, leader or researcher will have a different perspective on what qualities should be incorporated into a leader to distinguish them from others and be an asset to their organization. The following synopsis reflects on the different leadership styles, tasks and personal traits of great leaders. The aspiring leader should read this review with an open mind considering which elements they already possess and which should be expanded upon, with the ultimate goal of realizing and mastering their own unique method of leadership.2 SYNOPSIS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP2.1 Leadership Styles: Goleman ( 2000) suggests that six leadership styles exist and should be used interchangeably when required. The six leadership styles referred to are: coercive, authoritative, affiliative, democratic, pacesetter and coaching. In addition to these different leadership styles there is a clear link to a set of emotional intelligence. Goleman (2000) uses the findings of “the late David McClelland, a noted psychologist at Harvard University, who found that leaders with strengths in a critical mass of six or more emotional intelligence competencies were much more effective than colleagues without of these strengths." The coercive style should be used only in extreme situations, when there is no other alternative to the leader. This leadership style is very demanding and inflexible, leading to immediate results, but serious damage to staff morale could result if used excessively for long periods at a time. Authoritative style is the... middle of paper.... ...can only be achieved through the required knowledge and many years of experience to come. Finally, from all the articles and discussions I read, I realized that one key element is essential to becoming an effective leader, and that is to be yourself and be humble. This for me means finding a leadership style that I feel comfortable with and using all that is good and discarding the negative aspects of it. Trying to imitate someone else will not benefit me in any way, but growing and developing my talents is the only way to ensure that my growth and effectiveness are sustainable.5 REFERENCES: Daniel Goleman. (2000). Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review. 03/04 (1), 78-90.Harvard Business School. (2001). All in a day's work. Harvard Business Review. 12 (1), 5-11. Jim Collins. (2001). Level 5 Leadership. Harvard Business Review. 01 (1), 66-76.