Although it is difficult to agree on a precise definition of leadership, it can be described as the process of influencing people to direct their efforts toward the achievement of some particular goal or goals. Good leaders encourage people to perform at higher levels and to achieve their goals, whereas ineffective leadership can contribute to lackluster performance. Researchers generally agree that to be a great leader, one has to be able to exert influence over other members of a group or organization as well as help a group or organization to achieve its goals. Early studies of leadership identified personal characteristics that distinguish effective from ineffective leaders. These traits include intelligence, self-confidence, the ability to exert influence and control over others, knowledge of what has to be done and how, high energy levels, the ability to tolerate stress, honesty, integrity, and being emotionally mature enough to handle criticism. Individuals who possess these traits are more likely to become effective leaders although it does not guarantee that an individual will become an effective leader. The behavior approach to effective leadership focuses on specific behaviors that good leaders have that contribute to their effectiveness. Most leader behaviors involve two main categories: consideration and initiating structure. Consideration is behavior that demonstrates leaders respect, trust, and value good relationships with their followers. Initiating structure is what leaders do to make sure subordinates perform their jobs and the work gets done. While hard to define or measure, effective leadership is easily recognized when present in an organization. Judy Mims