In your opinion, what kind of inner-circle personnel does a good leader want to be surrounded by?

I'd assume they would want to be surrounded by subject-matter experts in each field they are responsible for.

"Now, will you kindly tell me, WHY I should clutter up my mind with general knowledge, for the purpose of being able to answer questions, when I have men around me who can supply any knowledge I require?" - Henry Ford

I seek the same as SSgt (Join to see) Surround myself with Advisors for AIMS with expertise quantum leaps beyond my own knowledge. Then I can rest assured knowing I'm backed by the best who will guide me and I don't need to question whether the advice is valid, just do my job to follow their guidance combined with the knowledge of my own role. I'm blessed to have a cadre of brilliant people in my world. Blessed and inordinately humbled.

Experts? It goes much deeper and shallower. I've had experts that I wouldn't want around me because they couldn't mesh. For me, I always wanted people who were competent in taking care of their swim lane, collaborate well with the other swim lane leaders, and know that it was important not to bog me down so I could intercept the crapola coming downhill. They knew that they were responsible beyond their rank in that I'd support their desired outcome, e.g. getting rid of a dirtbag. The "kick it upstairs because that's what they're getting paid for" mentality doesn't work long term.

I wasn't being lazy. I was preparing them for future command wherein decisions have larger consequences. I was fine with recoverable mistakes if they grew from them. I was more than satisfied that some of my "kids" made Flag and did well there. Even then, they'd take notice if I gave them that certain look, usually about some dirt I'm thinking about that would be the worse time to share. Good folk will remember how they grew up and who were the foundations at the right points of their lives.

Technical and tactical proficiency is a must. One person doesn't (necessarily) need both to the highest degree but you can split this amongst the group. There also needs to be a wide variety of thought processes and beliefs. There needs to be an atmosphere that promotes open dialogue from different perspectives and experiences.

If everyone is thinking the same, is anyone really thinking at that point?

I want people around me who know their jobs, can be flexible and adaptive, have some creativity, and-this is a big one- still have enthusiasm for the work. A positive mental attitude and solid work ethic goes a long, long way.