The term is often used loosely. But what emerges from the comments in the survey is that a number of these leaders combine an exceptional ability to forecast trends with a genuine interest in what the next generation does and thinks. Mr Welch, for example, is seen as always willing to accept new ideas, understanding young people's way of thinking and being able to re-think his business over and over again. Modesty and an ability to listen are again not attributes automatically associated with successful business people. Yet, some of these leaders clearly stand out in the eyes of their peers for just that.
Employees feature prominently.
The most respected business leaders invest heavily in their people, motivate and inspire them, and communicate efficiently with them. Many also display a serious concern for the wider society beyond the corporate gates. Ted Turner at Time Warner is admired for his donations to the United Nations and for founding and supporting, with other Time Warner managers, a website dedicated to African-American history and culture. BP Amoco's Sir John Browne and Mark Moody-Stuart at Shell are cited for taking leading positions on the environment and social responsibility. Jac Nasser wins a citation for becoming deeply involved in the Firestone tyre recall.