I agree that looks in a way are part of being a great leader, but not in a way others may see it.
Can you respect a leader that is on the "big boy" program as much as the one that isn't? Do you not make comments about how the Velcro on their flight suit is extended all the way out? Or the size of their ABU ?
A great leader would never be in that situation. They understand even the smallest aspects matter. Now if we are talking about acne or high cheek bones, than I agree looks don't matter.
In the 20+ years the Bullet served, I think Bullet would say he served under 3 great leaders at best. Everything people are posting here belong under the qualities, but many of you have yet to live in the military lifestyle yet, and because of that you are missing one large factor regarding a great leadership.... how they view family. Do they believe they are issued by the military?
Great leaders understand that the family is the backbone of any military member. If something is wrong at home, there will be an impact at work.
Ex: Gen. Gould was Bullet's boss long ago. He performed Bullet's O5 ceremony. He knew his Dad in NJ was too sick to attend in DC, and called that a.m. to congradulate his Dad on Bullet's accomplishments. Our DS broke his arm and Gould wrote a hand written get well note to our then 13 yr old on his 3 star stationery. When Bullet 3 years later was asked to commission a poster here at the AFA,, it was done at the Supe's home (Gould), when he saw Bullet, the 1st things he asked about was our family, and remembered that the 13 yr old he wrote a note to was in AFROTC, and how his career was going.
That to me is a quality of a great leader. This life is not easy. It is 24/7/365. Caring about the family might not be in the official requirements, but it is needed if you want good morale. Good morale is a sign of a great leader.
I think what people are confusing looks with is what many people call charisma or personable. Great leaders are chameleons that understand how to react with different types of people to get their mission completed. They know when to use a soft approach compared to a hard touch, they know when it is appropriate to be one of the guys, and when to be the boss. They place their ego at the door.
~~~ The fact is no amount of training can make a great leader, some of it is inherent. Either you have that X factor or you don't.
I believe in the military, and I can say that the ones that made O7+ all had that X factor.