Leadership qualities are not easy to quantify. If they were, PHDs would be in charge of everything but frequantly it is the C student party boy or drop out that heads many companies, (i.e. the high IQs work for the nimble minds). Working in the gray areas, balancing authority and responsibility with a good focus on the job at hand is not always as easy as it seems for most people. My last patrol I was stuck in the goat locker so they could work on me to reenlist, not very pleasent for a first class PO. The chiefs I respected were the ones who did not tell me how good they and chiefs in general were. I still rmember an E-9 chief that spoke very little but when he did you better (and should) be listening. Since I have been out I have worked with and learned from those who do the right thing by the company, by the employee and by the customer. There will always be someone unhappy with what you do, you cannot please everyone and to try is a sure road to failure. Where I'm going with this is not everyone who wants to stand up should and those who should do not always take the call. Case in point is Colin Powell whom I would have liked to have seen in the Presidential race.
General Colin Powell's Rules
1) It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2) Get mad, then get over it.
3) Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4) It can be done!
5) Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6) Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7) You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
Check small things.
9) Share credit.
10) Remain calm. Be kind.
12) Have a vision. Be demanding.
13) Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
14) Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Boy are we off topic.
