A dose of inspiration, dash of optimism and plenty of strong work ethic -- all that and more makes a good leader, according to some of the Arsenal's very own.

"The great leaders are the ones that influence and motivate others to achieve the vision of the organization," said Steve Fisher, AMCOM SGS. "You want to work for that person and you want to do the absolute best you can in order to help achieve that vision."

Students in the Leader Investment for Tomorrow (LIFT) program had the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to be a good leader from the men and women who do exactly that on the installation during a staff ride and senior leader panel Oct. 10 at The Summit. The program was an opportunity for participants to learn more about the Arsenal, and the skills and knowledge they can develop to one day themselves lead it.

"What does leadership mean to me? It's simple, it's not rocket science," said Margaret Moulder, deputy, AMCOM G-3. "Give respect, learn respect. It's integrity, trust, both giving and receiving, humility, loyalty. It's about having the confidence and courage to step forward and to own the process or the situation and the consequences that come with that. It's about just being true to yourself and it's about never asking people to do what you wouldn't."

Each of the speakers highlighted the lessons they've learned from their own experiences and the behaviors that they employ today to be a good leader, such as making sure they have balance in their life, having a mentor, being mindful of how they conduct themselves, and furthering their skill set through education and training.

"You never stop learning. You want to continue to learn. You don't get to say, 'I've arrived here, I don't have to do any more learning,'" said Danita Brooks, director, AMCOM OCI, who recommended participants pick up a book on leadership once a month. "Always keep learning, and you can learn from anyone at any level."

Taking the time to get to know yourself and what skills you bring to the table that make the words "Army Strong" come alive is also important, according to Col. Pat Sullivan, commander of LOGSA.

"Each and every one of you in this room has something unique that you can contribute based on your set of skills and talents," Sullivan said. "It's incumbent upon leadership to fully exploit that niche that you own. If you really want to get off on the right foot in an organization, figure out what it is that you really do well, do it early, do it well and then build off it. … Exploit the skills and talents that you have, and exploit the skills and talents of those who work for you and you'll be amazed at how much further it will take you."