According to a study of managers, honest, forward looking, inspiring, and competent are the top four characteristics of admired leaders. Also showing up high on the list are fair-minded, supportive, broad minded, and intelligent. Honest, in subsequent surveys has been selected time and time again more often than any other leadership trait. Individuals want to assure themselves that the person they are following is truthful and ethical.
Individuals also expect leaders to have vision and a mission in mind.
People respect enthusiastic, positive, dynamic leaders who are inspiring. While individuals are responsible for their own motivation, leaders can provide that spark to ignite the fire. Leaders must be able to encourage individuals to continue the hard work needed to obtain the objective. Competency varies depending upon the leader's role and the situation. It is not always important that a leader know how to do all the requirements of the task, but the leader must be willing to take the time to know the operation.