In my opinion, "regular career conversations" are a form of coaching, not leadership. Forming "strategic problem-solving teams" is management, not leadership. Finally, "emailing coffee-talk questions" is banter, not leadership.

So what are the five qualities of leadership, at least in my experience?


Leaders develop and execute a vision; they do not follow trends set by others.

Leaders embody strong core values and do not sacrifice those core values in order to advance their personal careers.

Leaders' actions demonstrate a focus on their people, not themselves, and that focus on the people takes care of the mission.

Leaders work to "make their people look good," rather than making the boss or themselves look good.

In the darkest hours, leaders put themselves personally at risk for the good of their team.


Read more here http://taosecurity..com/2011/05/five-qualities-of-real-leadership.html