Five Characteristics of a Leader

John W. Gardner, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, who is now directing a leadership study project in Washington, D.C., has pinpointed five characteristics that set "leader" managers apart from run-of-the-mill managers:

1. They are long-term thinkers who see beyond the day's crisis and the quarterly report.

2. Their interest in the company does not stop with the unit they are heading. They want to know how all of the company's departments affect one another, and they are constantly reaching beyond their specific area of influence.

3. They put heavy emphasis on vision, values, and motivation.

4. They have strong people skills.

5. They don't accept the status quo.