They do need to know what objectives must be achieved within stated time frames, and be able to communicate that information in a meaningful way to other people. Leadership means setting standards and living up to them, and showing others how to do the same.

As I heard myself saying this and saw the look on the other persons face I had to laugh.

Okay, what I really want is someone with a sense of humor, who respects me and performs in such a way that I can respect him or her. It's important to me to have someone who can communicate well--the good and bad. And, who takes responsibility.

That's the one thing I did learn over the years, if I am in charge of something or someone, no matter what happens, it is my responsibility. That includes the good, bad and ugly.

I can honestly say I have had a couple of good bosses. My favorite boss of all times was a Vice President of Marketing for a bank in downtown Indy.

He was considerate, polite, didn't make assumptions, gave assignments, followed up on them and gave feedback. I still have some of the personal notes he wrote to me telling me what a good job I did.

He had a great sense of humor, was creative and gave credit to his department sometimes, even when we didn't deserve it. He gave us an opportunity to grow in different directions.

He also had the coolest dog--Cubby--named, of course for the Chicago Cubs.

And, he was always available. He came in early and left late. He set a great example. He never tried to hide his mistakes or blame anyone else. If it happened in his department he took responsibility.

He defended the department when someone made a mistake, at least in public. We would hear about it in private later but it would be done in a respectful, helpful manner. And, it was done in person, none of the modern day nasty e-mail or written memo business that goes on in most companies today. It was discussed and a resolution agreed upon.

Once I relayed my thoughts on what makes a good manager or boss, several other people jumped in and added their ideas and preferences.

This of course led to the idea of taking a poll. What do you look for in a good manager? What skills, what personality traits? Do you want them to be a friend? Does their ability mean more than their personality? Do their work habits weigh in? Would you rather work for a man or woman? Does age matter?

So have at it--let's hear the good and the bad. . .