1 - What are the ideal knowledge, skills and attributes of a leader in my field of work?IntroductionLeadership is a widely studied subject and worthy of great interest in because of its impact on individuals and society as a whole. What exactly constitutes a strong leader is a matter of debate. The term may conjure up images of victorious historical figures such as Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan, but more subtle examples are found in daily life, wherever there is group activity. Studies have identified specific styles and theories that define good leadership in any capacity. In order to explore the attributes of a successful leader, it is first necessary to define leadership and discuss what makes an individual successful in their role as a leader. This study has referred to specific examples within the dairy industry where relevant. What is leadership? James (2005) defines leadership as a process of direction implemented in order to achieve objectives and improve the organization. Most authors would agree with Burns (1979) that the primary task of leaders is to bring about change and that change requires leadership. The scale of change required adds considerable weight to the leadership required for deployment. Leadership has been defined in many ways by various authors and theorists, but it is widely considered to be the primary catalyst for the process of change. Most definitions share the assumption that it is a process of influence aimed at facilitating the execution of a collective task, as considered by Burnes (2009) who defined leadership as the process of to set goals and motivate others to pursue and achieve those goals. Otherwise, the definitions differ in many ways, e.g., middle of paper... good stuff. Good leadership can be measured by success, while bad leadership equates to failure. The key skills and qualities of each leader may differ between individuals. Good leadership requires respecting the team and encouraging their active participation. Dictating without recognizing the contribution of team members can discourage these individuals from being actively involved and ultimately diminish their contribution. The ability to adopt different leadership styles is necessary. Flexibility is essential to adapt to changing resources and demands. Although personality types may vary depending on the leader, key skills and attributes are common to all successful people. Without strong leadership, the collective goals of any group activity cannot be assured, and the ability of the group to function successfully as a team to achieve these goals. targets cannot be guaranteed.