One quality I most respect in good leaders

 - Admit one's weaknesses
 - Ask for help
 - Admit failures
 - Deflect praise
 - Take the bullet
 - Be among your team

Humility

Humbleness allows truly good and effective leaders to lead among their team, to be "real" to those whom they lead. To me, this is the most endearing and effective quality of a leader. I can remember several times sitting in church listening to the pastor preach and bringing up a point of their short-comings or failure. While I do expect more from leaders, I'm not naive enough to believe leaders are perfect - by ANY means, so for a leader to have enough willingness to admit their failings and show that they are as human as those whom they lead receives significant "points" from me.

• Did you know that Andy Grove of Intel worked in a small open cubicle just like everyone else? 
• John Wooden, perhaps the greatest basketball coach, led and won with his humility, unlike Bobby Knight who used fear, abuse, and anger.
• Jesus' example of humility in washing the disciples' feet is another great example. Every Easter when this story is shared, I learn something new about that act. Washing guest's feet was reserved for the lowly servant, yet Jesus humbled himself to do this dirty job - and he did it willingly! He chose to lead in this manner.

How are you as a leader being humble? Are you afraid to be authentic and humble before your team? Might I encourage you to take a step toward the "humble pie" table and be real with and to those you lead? I suspect it will pay off in great returns.