The role of the leader is to put in place the right values, system, vision, strategy and management team. Once that is accomplished, the benevolent leader must now FOLLOW people. The best leaders know what they don't know and have the self-confidence to truly listen to and empower the very bet players within each functional area of their enterprise.

And delegation is as critical to leadership as it is to career progression. Success requires giving your people the creative freedom to accomplish their tasks as they see fit. Extraordinary performers are only slightly more comfortable delegating their BASIC tasks to subordinates but more than 50 per cent more comfortable delegating their MOST CRITICAL tasks than their less successful peers. Not only is it these critical tasks that subordinates most want to own but it is the aspect of benevolent leadership that creates the most attractive environment for the most talented people.

(However, delegation is not the same as abdication. Effective delegation requires keen observation to ensure things are on track, holding people accountable for results, and taking corrective action when commitments are not met.)