Leadership is difficult, but you were chosen because you know how to get things done. However, there will be tough choices to make, and these times will not be glamorous or well liked.

Here are some of those hard choices that all leaders will make.

Making quick decisions

Every decision you make has consequences. Right or wrong, this is part of leadership and life.

Sometimes, you will have make a quick assessment of a situation. As a leader, you should have the necessary skills to achieve a speedy resolution. A fast judgement can be the most precarious choice, due the high level of risk.

Taking too long can make you look weak, and but moving too quickly can make you look unsettled. Your responsibility in this area is critical, if you want others to ultimately follow you. It will take time to master this skill, and the more decisions you make the better the outcome.

Asking for help

Leaders are needed in every area in an organization. They are accountable for people, budgets and strategies — just to name a few.

But, at times, you can become overwhelmed with the challenges required of you. Most leaders do not want to look pathetic in front of others, so instead they march on regardless of the results. This can be a great hindrance and can be catastrophic if not handled properly.

Leaders should know their limits and be humble enough ask for help. There is no shame in this. In fact, asking for advice makes you a better leader. You are involving others, which will help that person or persons grow.

Challenging the status quo

Doing the same thing and getting the same results is poor leadership. Leaders have an opportunity to show others how to be bold and different, but still follow the rules.

Organizations and people can only grow if they are empowered. Leaders can make a difference in their employees — if they give them a chance. Dare your people to try new things and test the waters. This not only gives credence to the employee, but also helps you as a leader by showing your willingness to give someone a chance to develop and flourish.

Taking risks

Leaders are expected to take some risks — otherwise, why did they want to become leaders? John Maxwell, a leadership expert states, "Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course."

You are full of successes and failures. Success teaches you that you are capable, and these failures teach the greater lessons. Failures are the character-building blocks that will ultimately help you in risk-taking.

There is risk in all aspects of life. It is how you use these possibilities that can make or break you as a leader and as a person. Taking chances is a part of life, and accepting this will better prepare you for being a leader.

Finally, these difficult choices should not be ignored, but should be embraced. The challenge for leaders is how they make the hard choices and use them to everyone's advantage.