Leadership can be defined in several ways but generally involves influencing and guiding others towards achieving common goals. Effective leadership requires certain qualities like motivation, confidence building, and morale boosting. There are different leadership styles such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire that vary in aspects like control, communication, and decision making. Situational factors also impact which leadership style is most appropriate. Assertiveness is an important quality for leaders and nurses to communicate effectively while respecting others.