Leadership is defined as "the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group" (Dictionary.com). Most think of a leader as the head of an organization. I challenge that: every single person is in a position to be a leader even if they are not the head of an organization and do not have direct reports. There are many different organizational structures for an Office of Sponsored Programs, but typically there is one director, one or two associates/assistant directors, and coordinators or grants specialists. The director and associate/assistant director(s) have direct reports, but in many cases the coordinators do not. Does that mean that coordinators are not leaders? I think not. Coordinators assume the role of leaders in their daily work life and need to be an effective leader in the organization. Being a leader has less to do with position and title and more to do with having or attaining the main characteristics of a great, successful leader, which are: excellent communication skills, being able to build and work in a team effectively, having effective interpersonal skills, and being positive and producing win-win situations. These characteristics are not stand-alone--they interconnect. An effective leader will have these common elements.