Leaders are those who influence outcomes and inspire others.  Who influences you?  Who do you look to for inspiration?  The people that usually catch our attention and earn our respect do so because they have likely mastered at least one leadership role they fill.  They might be the inspiring manager, or the successful business person or an amazing parent.  What draws us to the point where we can be influenced by another person is when we see someone excelling in a role we share or appreciate. 

As leaders we need to work to master the roles we fill.  That’s why focus is so important.  If we try to be everything to everybody, we end up nothing to no one and completely unable to master any role we fill.  As you work to become a better leader be selective about what you commit your time and attention to.  When you focus on the few roles that are significant to you you put yourself in a better position to perform well.  That mastery of a role gives you the credibility you need to influence and inspire.