I HAVE ALWAYS SEEN THE ROLE OF A LEADER as one who establishes a direction, provides guidance, and is a problem solver. True leaders have in mind the best interests of everyone they lead. To me, a leader is not one who turns a blind eye to issues that should be addressed, or who has a hidden motive. Real leaders do not act out of self-interest or self-preservation but are always honest and ethical. A leader may fall short of these expectations, but not by intent.
There are certain universal traits that people desire in their leaders, regardless of their backgrounds, occupations, and beliefs. They are as follows: being emotionally intelligent, having the courage to confront divisive issues, possessing social skills, maintaining ownership of the projects they initiate, having the backs of those who work for them, ability to infuence the culture of their organizations, making values-based decisions, always behaving with integrity, understanding and appreciating the distinctions between leadership and management.