1. Sharing Their Vision

That saying if you don't have a vision, you don't have a future. Leaders in every category and function has a vision. They build their team/business around what that vision needs. For the team, they can see whatever they are doing, they can see where their efforts are aligned with.

2. Develop People

Logic would tell us if a leader develops their people that the output will grow. Its unfortunately a rare quality of a person who not only has the desire or look to make the effort to develop people, but also have the skill to teach and coach their people.

3. Sound Decisions That The Business Can Follow

Being decisive is one key element. Making a sound decision that is rational, logical and most importantly understood by those following are big.

4. Giving Praise/Empathy/Appreciation

People wonder how they’re doing. Leaders let them know, and they’re especially vocal and public about it when they’re doing well and show appreciation. As well, leaders are able to see things through other people’s eyes, especially their employees’. Of course this doesn’t mean that they are pushovers, but it does mean that they’re concerned about their team on multiple levels.

5. Pull Everyone Together

You might have heard the phrase “gung ho.” Reportedly, it derives from a World War II saying that combined two Chinese words meaning “work” and “together.” A leader recognizes the talents of members of his or her team, and strives to lead in a way that lets everyone maximize their effectiveness together.

6. Increase Morale

Leaders can bring spirit to the group. Whether having a sense of humor or uplifting the group, a leader can connect and uplift them.

7. Communicate Effectively

Leaders can find the words and expressions to explain what they mean—and they back up what they say.

8. Ethical Behavior

It’s often true that more progress is made when we seek forgiveness than when we seek permission. However, there are rules, social norms, and basic decency. Great bosses strive to uphold them.

9. Strive for Excellence

With vision, there is excellence to drive the vision.