A panel of leaders was brought together from three cities to
discuss leadership in a forum organized by Fast Company
magazine. The topics included the best and worst aspects of
having power, leadership in times of crisis, and what makes
them successful as leaders. One recurring theme was that it
is important to truly value your associates and the
strengths that each individual brings to the team. Heidi
Schneider, executive vice president of Neuberger Berman,
said that the old model of the boss is no longer effective
as a leader.

“The model of CEO is going to change. In the '90s, very
smart, very efficient men ran their companies like tight
ships, but they were often not very nice people. These days,
employees are really looking at their bosses as
disingenuous. Employees think their bosses don't really care
about them as people; they only care about the bottom line.

People are starting to see through that and say, "Hey, wait
a minute. I don't mind commuting for two hours if my boss
appreciates that I'm there." So the people who are going to
be effective leaders are going to really value the unique
contributions that people make -- and will tell them so."
http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2001/11/neuberger.html

Great leaders truly care about their associates and they
show it with sensitive, compassionate behavior as well as by
setting high expectations and helping associates to develop
their skills and proficiencies. It is critical for leaders
to acknowledge and reward an associate’s success; following
that the leaders needs to find appropriate ways to challenge
and develop their associates so that they continue to
improve and excel. When one truly cares, then it is not
enough to accept a good performance. Caring leaders help
associates to develop so that the good performers become
stars.