What Traits Denote a Great Leader?

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This article first appeared at Lifehack Dot Org in September 2006. 

This is an overview of the traits of a great leader. It is a collection of the fundamentals of great leadership and is compiled from many sources.  Are these characteristics specific to any one temperament?

  1. Great leaders KNOW it is PEOPLE not PROGRAMS that create a quality organization.
  2. Great leaders have clear, consistent expectations.
  3. Great leaders take into account the impact of their decisions on those they work with.
  4. Great leaders plan a purpose for everything they do.
  5. Great leaders create a positive atmosphere and work climate.
  6. Great leaders have high expectations for those they work with and greater expectations for themselves.
  7. Great leaders consistently apply Socrates 3 filter test to anything they pass along.
  8. Great leaders work to maintain positive relationships to those they work with.
  9. Great leaders know it makes much more sense to retrain existing staff than to recruit new staff.
  10. Great leaders treat everyone as a valuable entity.

Which temperament would lend itself best to these characteristics or are these traits which exist independent of temperament and personality?

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