Cleaning out my office files, I ran across an email discussion with one of my favorite managers during my corporate career.

My manager’s questions:

• What would our leadership team need to be like for it to inspire your confidence in our ability to succeed in the business? 
• Are there specific things you are looking for?
• Any positive examples or role models you can point to?
• Any suggestions for how we can help our leaders improve their effectiveness?

An excerpt of my answers:

• Leadership is not only being able to take a stand but knowing what to stand for, day in and day out.
• Leaders believe in what they are saying to the point that it is an integral part of their behavior. They walk the talk.
• Leaders know how to create energy in others and how to renew it for themselves.
• Leaders know themselves well enough to see how their behavior impacts individuals and the organization. They are inwardly focused on what they can control–their own behavior.
• Leaders are humble.
• Leaders are listeners. Without humility, there is no listening.
• Leaders are learners. Without listening, there is no learning.
• Leaders have faith in others around them. They trust that others who have the right support will do the right thing.
• Leaders are focused on making the most of the gifts of the people around them to get the job done. They leverage talent.
• Help leaders be more effective by giving honest feedback on a regular basis, the good and the bad.

Employees do know what they want. All you have to do is ask them.