They assert that the cream always rises to the top, so you have to ensure that you demonstrate the leadership qualities that are likely to make senior managers see you as the cream of your generation of executives.

The number 1 place to start is with mind control. There are 2 main areas of mental discipline on which you need to focus. First, you should formulate a self-image of yourself as an impressive leader. Then you have to work on the individual facets that will make for outstanding leadership.

It is great to be seen by all as a friendly, easy to get on with person. This helps make it simpler to build a good team of people around you. But be sure that you've got the respect of the people who work with you. You will never be able to buy respect, it only comes when people recognise that you're exceptional at your work. So you want to work hard and develop good work skills.

The second great leadership ability is the facility to get results. You will always be judged by the outcomes you achieve. To be good at getting results you first need to develop the ability to set clearly defined goals. When you set good goals it is much easier to gauge your success in achieving those goals.

Next you want to become a sound strategist, someone who is good at working out how you will attain your goals.

Once you master the art of communicating to others precisely what you need them to do it'll become way easier to attain results by good team work. This can relive you of the work and stress of having to do it all yourself. So be sure that you hire good people to support you.

Above all you need to become an outstanding motivator. Make it your habit to catch the people in your team doing good work, and then praise them for their efforts.

If you follow this simple plan every day you'll soon rise to the head of your organisation.

Since 1995 David Ferrers has focussed his energies on leadership coaching, writing and speaking. A good way to quantify leadership qualities is to read what top leading players in major firms such as Dell, GM, J&J, P&O, RBI, Knauf, Land Securities, Defra and Yves St.Laurent say about what David has done for their companies.