How do you determine a good Leader or Manager?

I just wanna share what qualities I think a person should have to become a good leader or manager in the company. I've worked for many bosses in my 14 years of working life. I've got both male & female bosses. Many people always say that male bosses are easier to work with. I have to agreed with that cause I feel male bosses are easier to get along and they are not that picky. But it doesn't mean that female bosses are not good. It all depends on whether they have the good qualities of a leader.

I've got a very good female ex-boss whom I've worked with for many years. Why do I say she is good? That's because she is a true leader. She is someone who always never fails to reward staff who have done well. She is never selfish about imparting her knowledge to her staff. She also do not boss her staff around. Although she may be a little fierce at times, but she has gain the respect of many staff who have worked with her. She has also fostered many talented staff who are all doing very well now. I have learnt alot from her and I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with her. Even though she may have left the company, but she still show concerns for her ex-staff. My current boss is also good cause I can see her sincerity & generosity towards her staff. She is also one who is willing to teach others.

I've seen some managers who are unwilling to impart their knowledge to others cause they are afraid that the person will ultimately become more successful than them. This type of managers are the ones who have not got much qualities in them and also not willing to learn or do more in their job. If you are picking up new knowledge or learning new skills all the time, you will never be afraid of imparting some knowledge to others. There are even some who go around spreading bad rumours of colleagues who are better than them. I think this type of people have got no confidence & integrity at all. Even if one day you manage to climb to the top of the corporate ladder, you may not gain the respect of your subordinates. I always believe that you gain respect by showing others how good you are in your work. Those who only knows how to talk but no action will not gain any respect. As a leader, you have to lead by example. If you can't do that, then you are just a worker and not a leader. You will never become successful unless you are super lucky.

It's good to have high aspirations in life but never be overconfident. You should always look at your own ability first. A person who think over highly of herself will fall badly one day. Never think that you are indispensable in the organisation. Your work can be easily taken over by another person so long the person is willing to learn. There were many times that I picked up the skills in my work from scratch cause there were no one there to teach me how to do it. That's why I always tell myself that if I ever leave an organisation, I will make sure that I write down my work procedures so that the next person who takes over will not be lost. You cannot bring all your knowledge with you to your next job. You can only bring along with you some basic knowledge & skills as well as your good attitude. These will be good enough to bring you far. So for those who are already leaders or aspiring to be one, never be selfish about imparting your skills & knowledge to others. Remember that one day you will get to benefit from it cause these people will help you to become a better leader.