A great leader is honest and doesn't compromise his or her qualities, but (s)he must also recognize the needs and wants of the many. Being in the right place at the right time helps too. A lot of people think of FDR as one of the greatest leaders ever because of the New Deal. He couldn't have accomplished what he did without the Depression. Personally, I'm partial to leaders who support peace and protection of the environment.

Karen. 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA

Courage & Honesty. Maybe just honesty as that requires courage.

Dan
Lowell, MA

A good, but not necessarily a brilliant mind. An organized mind. Charm and stage presence (so as to appear larger-than-life). A certain amount of ruthlessness--concealed by the charm.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

The qualities of a great leader are as follows:

1. The ability to truly listen to others (and to know that it's takes a great deal of bravery and intelligence to go along with someone else's ideas or suggestions when it's appropriate)
2. A strong, clear vision
3. A sense of humor (for those times when their followers aren't so enamored with them)
4. The ability to empathize
5. A rational mind
6. Big shoes…

Shayna, 28
Somerville, MA

The qualities of a great leader are someone who is persistent, somebody who is willing to listen, someone who is of at least moderate intelligence, and somebody who is willing to do something that may not be popular, however, they believe that is the right thing to do. A great leader need not be somebody of exceptional intelligence. They must be somebody who has a vision and is willing to carry it out, regardless of how unpopular it may be.

Ernest, 28
Washington, DC

I've been thinking about leadership alot lately.  The ability to articulate a vision to others is certainly part of what makes a leader.  Having the integrity to live up to your own ideals and to ask nothing of others you wouldn't do yourself is also in there.  Honesty and compassion should be added to the pot.  Include the courage to admit to your mistakes and take responsibility for them.  Being able to have enough of a thoughtful mind to make informed decisions which have force and don't necessarily look for the easy way out.   And to always know that you don't have all the answers and that others can contribute and be called upon to lead as well would complete this cursory list.

Felicia, 34
Somerville, MA

Someone who takes the time to listen...to their team, their constituents, and even their enemies. Often times, wars are started b/c people are not willing to listen and work things out. Also, someone who's not afraid to get down and dirty with their team as well. Examples are best set by actually letting the team see that you're willing to do the same amount of work as they are.

Lindsay, 21
Harrisonburg, VA

I think that an insatiable need for power and dominance is a very key quality for a "great" leader. . . .A firm grasp of the practical issues in any given situation is also very important. . . .I find it hard to define the term "great leader". I think the question implies world or political leader, in which case Stalin and Hitler and Napoleon all certainly qualify. . . .They are, in my estimation "great[er]" leaders, because they influenced more people to do more dramatic things than a Kennedy or a Churchill or even a Ghandi. . ..Of course there's fascisitic aspects to these leaders characteristics too. . .

mothmc, 35
Pensacola, FL

Understanding. Learning to walk a mile in the other person's shoes.

Janet, 42
E. Brunswick, NJ

Compassion and courage. Wisdom and intelligence.

Cindy, 41
Lowell, MA

Some qualities of a great leader may include:

1. The ability to be able to compromise
2. Ability to make wise and smart decisions
3. Intelligence
4. Leadership qualities (duh!)
5. Diplomacy
6. Good personality
7. Maybe....thirst for world domination and more.

Ray, 17
Toronto  CANADA

A great leader leads by example and is honest.

Laura, 34
Lowell, MA

Passion, vision, ambition, initiative, and the ability to listen to and utilize other people's input to gain perspectives from every angle.

Kristin, 20
IA  USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow