What are the essential characteristics of an effective leader?

There are many characteristics to being an effective leader. Strong communication skills are definetly a must. If you can not learn how to speak to people and tell people how you want things done, you will get no where. Organizational skills and confidence in decision making is also very important. An effective leader has to be organized and have confidence because if people see that a leader does not have confidence in his or her decision, their subordinates will see weakness. Finally, being open to questions and listening to what people think is a must. An effective leader has to be an all around people person.