Successful leaders come from various backgrounds, diverse ethnicity and different eras; but, they all have one thing in common: they have made a difference in the lives of many and have made a positive contribution to society. This impact is the result of persistence and the desire to rise to the level of their true, innate potential. The words of Lucius Amaeus Seneca are as true today as when he spoke them on the Senate floor of ancient Rome: "Most powerful is he who has himself in his power." The power is in the knowledge that rising to this potential is done only when each aspect of a person is fully appreciated and developed.

Leaders are the prime example of someone who is more than just a person who develops his mind. These people realize that to be whole, to be a master of his own gifts, he must also nourish his physical, emotional and spiritual natures.

It seems so painfully obvious, but leaders must be on a path towards something, a vision of what is possible both in himself, in others and in the ventures that move him to action. Without vision, there is no direction, no purpose, and no possibility to make the improbable the accomplishment of tomorrow.

There are plenty of "idea men" out there who talk of their visions that will bring them fame, fortune and a life of design. How many of these visionaries, however, are living that dream? If the answer is not many, does that mean this is all an illusion, or does it mean that these men fell short of what could be because they failed to do what must be?

Having vision alone is not enough. Commitment and passion must be the partners that bring this glimpse of the future into reality. If you desire to be a leader, you must be committed to your vision. You must feel the passion of this commitment to continue when things appear to hinder what you see as your destiny. Without passion, the doubts of others and the circumstances of life cause people to question their ability to bring about their desired goal. What a terrible waste for the individual and society.

Undoubtedly, men throughout history had a vision of what they desired to bring into existence; they had the commitment and passion to give this vision life, but what some of them lacked made their contribution to society a destructive force. Leaders who do not also lead from the sense of morality bring only what is negative to the world. Were these people committed and passionate about their mission? Clearly, the answer is yes, but that is not the kind of leadership that brings that person to the highest that is within; that is not the kind of leadership that leaves a positive mark on society, it is the opposite. Conscience must be the guiding force that molds the vision and fuels commitment and passion.

Following conscience allows us to connect with the gift that is in each of us. It assures that each of us discovers the best within ourselves and, equally as important, the best within others. When we see others and ourselves from the prospective of their true nature and not just the outward results of past behavior or limitations, we connect soul to soul. We take one more step toward the kind of success we were meant to achieve. While this success may not at first manifest itself in the outward appearance of fame, fortune and freedom, it cannot help but result in what is positive and ultimately the best success possible.

Conscience gives the leader the best means to the desired end. Success is meaningless without personal growth for self and others. Success is not purposeful if it does not enrich self and others.

The great political leader George Washington who had a vision of what could be possible said, "Labour to keep alive…that little spark of celestial fire, conscience." This principle is our foundation; it is our future. It is the essence of what makes men into leaders who bring their vision to life and enrich all who come in contact with them.