There is no mystery behind what it takes to be a good leader, whether in the business world, education, or in a Christian denomination, one professor from Western Michigan University (WMU) said.

Speaking to a crowd of about 60 students on Wednesday at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Professor Peter G. Northouse listed several characteristics that he believes all "good" leaders share, including being ethical, open to change, willing to learn leadership skills, and having the ability to relate positively with those being led.

"Effective leadership builds community and enhances the common good," said Northouse, who holds a doctorate in speech communication from the University of Denver.

"Leadership is a trait, an ability, a skill, a behavior, and a relationship," he added.

"Effective leaders set the tone for an organization. They provide structure, clarify norms, build cohesiveness and promote standards of excellence."

Entitled "Leading through Change: Principles for Effective Leadership," Northouse's talk was the first presentation from the recently formed Leadership Exchange, a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) of North America.

The CRC formed the Leadership Exchange, originally titled the Leadership Institute, as a part of the group's 150th anniversary in 2007.

According to the CRC's 2007 Synod, the program's purpose is to help prepare leaders by "coordinating leadership training resources offered by other institutions and to supplement such training resources as needed through providing seminars in various places, tutoring, mentoring and encouragement."

Christ Pullenayegem, director of the Leadership Exchange, commented about the program: "We are serious about partnering with other agencies/organizations to bring about awareness and create dialogue and 'exchanges' about principles and practices of Christian (Kingdom, transformational) leadership."

Founded in the U.S. in 1857 by Dutch immigrants, the CRC has a 300,000-strong membership throughout the United States and Canada. About 75 percent of CRC churches are in the United States and 25 percent are in Canada, according to the group's website

The CRC is one of a handful of bi-national denominations, meaning that the U.S. and Canadian churches work as one unit.