A leader is defined as a person who influences others towards achieving a goal. Effective leadership requires three key aspects - the Person, People, and Purpose. To be a leader, one must have a deep commitment to their goal and vision for the future. They must also earn the trust of their followers through persuasion and leadership skills as well as personal attributes. Different leadership styles exist along a spectrum from autocratic to democratic to laissez-faire, each with their own benefits and drawbacks depending on the situation. Leaders are shaped by both inherent personality traits and environmental factors.