Studies have shown that successful leaders have something very interesting in common; they all demonstrate certain positive personality traits that are normally associated with children. If you consider yourself a good leader, check and see if these characteristics apply to you!

Like a child who is totally unencumbered by the biases and judgments of the adult world, a good leader has a genuine enthusiasm for people. Leaders, like children are very good at accepting people for what they are, not what they would like them to be, and for celebrating an individual's uniqueness as a good thing and not something that needs to be judged.

A good leader enjoys and partakes of generous amounts of spontaneity. In their day to day work they try to have fun, instill a sense of adventure into their projects, and try to truly enjoy what they do. This enthusiasm for their work is what will often bring even the most skeptical of colleagues on board to join them on their path to new adventures.

A good leader is often blessed with, and loves to use, a vibrant imagination. Perhaps it is this trait that permits many good leaders to formulate and share their visions with colleagues and employees. They can paint a picture of the future that draws others in and makes them want to be a part of what's going on.

Children are often admired for their ability to live in the present. Every day is a new day; full of potential and possibilities. A good leader approaches life and work with a very similar attitude, focusing on today as a starting point for moving forward and making improvement instead of dwelling on past events and mistakes.

Good leaders, like children are also more trusting of others. Instead of being constantly suspicious or on the lookout for ways that others may be trying to pull something over on them, a good leader is able to take the risk and trust those around him instead.

And finally, a good leader is eager and committed to learning new things. It seldom takes much to get a child to try something new. Likewise, a good leader is always ready and willing to put a new idea to the test or explore a different way of doing things. Like a child, they will become totally focused on the task at hand, often becoming so involved that they lose all sense of time and place. They truly enjoy what they are doing and do not become bogged down with concerns about possible failure or lack of success.

In conclusion, perhaps the fastest way to becoming a competent and successful leader, is to really get in touch with your young inner self. Listen for that little voice that is always there encouraging you to let go of your inhibitions and let yourself just be. Live in the moment, take some risk, trust others and above all enjoy what you do!

John Hersey is a successful business owner, published author and motivational leadership speaker. John writes one of the most recognized leadership blogs in the business world: www.JohnHersey.com