Great points for communication skills and team building. In the past, I have been dinged for my communication skills at review time; oddly, when I ask for specifics or how to improve I get nothing (leading me to believe that the communication issue was on the other side of the table).

I am more interested in hiring a leader, specifically one who can lead his team to a higher level of need and ultimately the top need of self actualization that performs well above those teams who are demoralized with layoffs and budget cut backs.

I also am looking for a leader who chooses to use his coercive powers as a last resort. I am looking for the confidant sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith TV series from the 60's) and not the excitable and hyper vigilant deputy Fife. A good leader/manager should use positive actions to encourage growth and not use steel toed boots to keep the underlings in line.