Every company goes through periods of high excitement and high anxiety. In most cases the difference in the way a company emerges from these moments has to do with the leader. A person who can pull the team together can capitalize on the excitement or anxiety. A person who falls apart, or displays weakness will lose control.
My favorite definition of a leader was something Marcus Buckingham wrote in, "The One Thing You Need to Know":
"Great leaders rally people to a better future."
He wrapped up a section on leadership with this paragraph, that I think captures the essence of how the followers feel. 
So, as you strive to lead us toward a better future, remember that we need clarity, and that actions, both the symbolic and the systematic, can be wonderfully, comfortingly clear. If you can sort through all the actions available to you and identify the few that can grab our attention or alter our routines, then our confidence in you and your better future will grow strong.
With all of the various political, economic, and social leader wannabes we have shouting at us today, it is amazing how few of them get this very simple point. We who are to follow, want to follow someone who will actually lead with authority, clarity, and vision. Two out of three is not enough.
What do you look for in a leader?
A leader should know how to delegate tasks effectively and efficiently.
A leader should hear what every member of the team has to say and make sound decisions based on them. Not necessarily following what the members have to say, of course.
A leader should be able to bring the team forward and not backward.
Posted by: Julie, writer Surefirewealth.com | February 26, 2008 2:25 AM | Permalink to Comment