Characteristics Of A Good Leader

It's interesting to hear the responses from executives when the author asks them, "What are the characteristics of a good Leader?" If the author asks that question in a large room of executives, or even upper level managers the answers will be all over the map, and many are conflicting. A couple of the usual answers are: A leader is someone that empowers those working for him to make their own decisions. A leader is someone who gives clear, direct orders, a take charge person that commands his employees.