A leader doesn't just wake up one day and become one. Leaders must work on and practice their leadership skills. Quite simply, that means leading others.

However, over time, leaders can become complacent in how they lead. These types of leaders end up in their own comfort zone, and this is really a danger zone.

How do leaders end up in the comfort zone, and how can they be turned around?

Complacency

When leaders reach a certain level within an organization, they can become complacent in how they act. Sometimes, leaders may think they have reached the top. No one else matters, and whatever that leader says is the way it needs to be.

This type of attitude stymies not only that leader's growth, but also others within an organization.

Attitude

When leaders become complacent, their attitude can be hardest to readjust. Oftentimes, they do not want to listen to what anyone has to say.

This is where real leadership within an organization can help. A close advisor or mentor to this leader can help turn him around. It will take some time, but listening to his issues and working with him should enable a change in his attitude.

Values

A leader's value system can become skewed. She feels that others may be out to get her and that no one will agree with her way of thinking. This is where the real danger is to the organization. Some leaders will never want to make any changes.

The upper echelon within the organization has to take a stand. They should ensure that this type of value system does not affect the overall organizational culture.

Alignment

A leader's vision should be aligned with the organization. There can be some trade-offs in implementing a leader's vision. However, the vision should address the ultimate goals that the organization wants to achieve.

A real leader will use his vision to empower others. A complacent leader will not want to comply with the organization's goals, but will try to deter them as much as possible. Again, the top leaders may have to let him go in order to protect the goals of the organization.

Finally, good leadership brings value to an organization and helps others along the way. Complacency is of no value to an organization. It needs to be addressed quickly in order to keep the organization out of the danger zone.

Albert Einstein says it best: "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."