Swashakti: Would you describe yourself as a leader or a follower?

Great leaders are aware of their own style and make the effort to learn how their style actually comes across to their team. They learn to flex their leadership style to individual team members so that they communicate and behave in ways that motivate and inspire. Leadership can also vary in style - are you someone who dictates the group and doesn't listen to anyone else's opinion? Or do you lead with a more bureaucratic or democratic style?

Here is what leadership professionals consider to be traits that make up a good leader:

Honesty: Always do the honest thing. It makes employees feel like they know where they stand with you at all times.
Focus: Know where you're going and have a strong stated mission to lead people on. If you're not sure, how can your people be sure? You have to be strong focus and stay the course.
Passion: Whatever it is, you must have passion for what you're doing. Live, breathe, eat and sleep your mission.
Respect: Not playing favorites with people and treating all people - no matter what station in life, what class or what rank in the org chart - the same.
Excellent persuasion abilities: People have to believe in you and your credibility. Image is everything and the belief people have in you, your product, your mission, your facts or your reputation are key to being a great leader. You have to persuade people of this - it doesn't just happen.

Source: (Google Image)

Integrity: They are people who are respected and worth listening to. I find in general due to all of the economic difficulties, employees prioritize and seek leaders and organizations that are honest and meet their commitments.
Compassion: Too many leaders these days manage with the balance sheet, often times at the expense of their employees and long-term customer relationships. Talented people want to work for leaders and organizations that truly care about their employees and the communities in which they operate.
Shared vision and actions: People produce real business gains and smart people need to understand what is needed and be part of the solution.
Engagement: Great business leaders are able to get all members of their teams engaged. They do this by offering them challenge, seeking their ideas and contributions and providing them with recognition for their contributions.
Empowering: True leaders make their associates feel emboldened and powerful, not diminished and powerless.
Fearlessness: True leaders are not afraid to take risks or make mistakes. True leaders make mistakes born from risk.