So many professionals are in agony, lying in foetal position on the floor, not only due to possible pay cuts and slashed bonuses, but because they’re downright miserable. Dramatic I know, but just what is it that is causing the recurrent stomach ulcers that seem more pronounced on Monday mornings and miraculously disappear on Friday afternoons?

Some professionals are not fazed by pre-dawn meetings (even if it means they’re automatically excluded from the morning school run). They work in world-class buildings with technically competent peers, mentors and sponsors. These girls and guys are suitably “manned-up” and are definitely not wilting flowers. They are confident and au fait with all things “corporate”. Why then are they still so unhappy? What gives?

When I ask these professionals this question, a common response is that they are uninspired by their managers and executives. I immediately dismiss this answer and remind them that there are three fingers pointing back at them. I explain to them that part of being a leader is taking responsibility for their environment and changing what they don’t like. So, if you they want to be happy, they best start leading!

It did get me thinking though – how do we differentiate between leaders and losers? Here’s a simple ten-point checklist that I came up with.

• Leaders share information. Losers hoard it.
• Leaders add chairs to the boardroom table. Losers want to be the only “minority” present.
• Leaders do what they say they’re going to do. Losers find reasons why it can’t be done.
• Leaders lead by example. Losers rule by FEAR.
• Leaders are honest. Losers lie.
• Leaders reward effective and valuable employees. Losers find ways to make them leave.
• Leaders have constructive work development plans. Losers change the goal posts without communicating.
• Leaders encourage excellence and delivery. Losers focus on personality and engine size.
• Leaders use their platform to serve. Losers use their platform to serve themselves.
• Leaders say sorry. Losers don’t.