Mick Jackson: Be an example – entrepreneurs don't lead from behind

It is a lot easier to develop the will to win if you can see exactly where you wish to go. Moreover, the bigger the vision, the less likely obstacles will derail it. A vision that dominates your mental horizon will be hard to lose track ofamid the inevitable challenges of the business environment.

Our culture has placed a vulgar premium on the pursuit ofmoney. Great leaders transcend this and are animated by a vision that changes the world for the better. Accruing money is simplya by-product ofsuch success. Another aspect – particularly in business – is the fact that strong leaders should be the greatest servants.

The degree to which you fulfil the needs of others will have a direct impact upon how successful you are in business. Those who fail to make their goals congruent with those around them will soon lose their followers.

Finally, the best leaders must actually lead. You must have an unshakable belief in your vision and why you want achieve it. Great leaders have always possessed that. Someone who changes with the wind to court public favour is not a leader. Leaders must be willing to change the status quo regardless of what others say.

However, tough times have always produced great leaders. We must never lose sight of the fact that we can prevail regardless of external circumstances. Tough times can also be a source of great opportunities.

Already we see evidence of this happening across Scotland, with many of those attending or participating in this week's Institute of Directors' Tomorrow's Leaders conference in Glasgow, testament to the fact.

We must stay positive and keep our nerve.

• Mick Jackson is a serial entrepreneur and chief executive of not-for-profit office supplies company WildHearts.