Know the difference between managing and leading

Many managers and owners confuse the tasks of managing with leading. Leadership is more than implementing tactics, planning schedules and handing out assignments. Leadership includes inspiring team members, sharing a vision with employees and nurturing staff.

I recommend: Do the "Leading or Managing" team exercise to determine how well you and your employees understand the difference.

Determine your leadership aptitude

Not everyone is a born leader. However, even if leadership doesn't come naturally to you, it can be developed. To improve your leadership skills, you must be motivated to become an effective leader and you must make it a priority.

I recommend: Take the Leadership Motivation Assessment from MindTools.com to determine how motivated you are to develop your leadership skills. Receive feedback on a comprehensive list of leadership competencies from 360-Degree Feedback.

Uncover your convictions

Start by listing your values, beliefs and ethics. For more clarity, talk to customers and suppliers. Or tape record yourself during staff meetings to hear how you present yourself.

I recommend: Discover your leadership style type with the Myers Briggs personality type assessment at PersonalityPathways.com. Get a well-rounded view of the skills it takes to become a good leader at Inc.com or Entrepreneur.com.

Create goals and timelines

See where you're willing to change your behavior. Set a do-able timeline with specific goals by starting at the end of your life and working backwards to today. Next, create an action plan that outlines where you want to be in a set number of years. Don't forget to include improving communication skills, the bedrock trait of great leaders.

I recommend: Take the goal-setting tutorial at AboutGoalSetting.com to improve your ability to set goals and timelines. Find a host of resources and tools to hone your communication skills at MindTools.com.

Ask for input from employees

Note how your beliefs are woven into your company. See where they fit and where they're disconnected. Open the lines of communication by talking to employees, holding weekly staff meetings or holding recognition contests. The upshot: building a collaborative culture.

I recommend: Refresh your storehouse of management knowledge. One place to start is a core skill: motivating employees.

Seek assistance

Don't hesitate to hire a coach or mentor if you need ongoing support. Your coach can help you assess your skills and set achievable benchmarks. Leadership learning programs are another useful tool. Don't be afraid to go through the leadership goal-creating and achieving process several times. Include regular check-ins to assess how you're doing.

I recommend: The Center for Creative Leadership and FindYourCoach.com provide a number of leadership coaching solutions. Consider leadership training Webinars and seminars from LeadershipIQ.com, or improve your skills with leadership training software from SimuLearn.