Great leaders don’t aim to be leaders - they aim to make a difference. It’s about the goal, not the role.These common – yet insightful quotes are key for the long-term success of any leader. They also happen to fit my professional mantra to a tee. Long ago, I entered the workforce in the service industry. I enjoyed solving problems and providing solutions for my customers. It wasn’t too long before I was teaching others to do the same. I watched some great local leaders fail and others excel; all the while taking important mental notes about their methodologies and progress. I found that the service/goal first method was an easy program for me and I continue to use this method today.From the outside you’ll see that I am charismatic leader that values the team; using critical management and leadership soft-skills such as the principles of Gung-Ho and other insightful tidbits from the current leadership toolbox. With a background in electronics & electricity, RF, mechanics, automotive, electro-mechanics, computers, welding and even residential construction, I can not only lead technical teams, but I can also speak the language and translate goals into concepts that can be digested by almost anyone. Sometimes finding a common theme or language is a critical part of guiding a team member toward his/her goals.I’ve also spent quite a few years in the community service realm, being an officer in large and small non-profit groups. For example, as President of the Mustang Club of Maryland, I lead a group of 300+ for several years, and as President of the Summit Amateur Radio Association, I lead a group of 35. Leadership of volunteer groups provides an eye-opening experience for any manager or supervisor; considering that all the team members cannot be ‘forced’ to perform any task – you actually must motivate the team toward their goals. The importance of this experience cannot be undersold – it is the path to make a good leader a great one!