Derek once told me that if you don't like a leader it's fine. But you have to respect the dude or else everything falls the heck apart. In many ways, respectability is more important than likability in leadership. And we all know they both really don't have to be present at the same time.

Rough thoughts here on what draws respect from those who follow you:

1. Expertise/Competence coupled with a willingness to teach and impart one's learning (without showing off, mind you); proves you care about people learning, period. It's not just about teaching them enough so they can make more money for you but roadblocking their progress when it doesn't translate to a percentage.

2. Williness to "be there" with one's subordinates through thick and thin, to show that you're not abandoning them to some late-night fiasco whilst you're partying at a disco. The converse of this is allowing an early day if you're going off at 5.30. This is the corporate version of 'leading the charge'. You throw yourself over the same bar you ask others to jump over, and everyone tastes the same wine you celebrate with. No "executive toilets" in this outfit.

3. Meaning what you say (or saying what you mean, same thing); too much wavering, justifications, excuses, etc. and integrity's gone. Keeping it is worth biting the bullet. Do not ever B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T your way past problems.

4. Remembering the "basics" you just know apply, like saying you're sorry (even in a 'big' way) for your mistakes, thank people, giving credit where credit's due; correcting in private, praising in public, etc.The colour of the rule is golden.

5. Being hard on the 'soft' stuff. I think a leader who gets tough with simple lack of courtesy among employees will be paid more respect than one who only shouts at "objective" issues (tasks, deadlines, deliverables, etc.). The latter kind of boss is a dime a dozen; what raises eye-brows is the dude who jumps up and down for standards on ALL matters, not just the goddamned budget.

6. Make profits the reward (not the end-goal of the business) and protocols the "necessary evil" the organisation has to song-and-dance about (not the heart of the PR). People and a community-transforming vision are what the company is about. And the way the company treats outsiders, markets itself, welcomes VIPs', does its PR, all reflect this vision and people-ness.

It's a tragedy when cash and kiss-ass lead the way.