What are the leader or manager characteristics that you appreciate the most?

I've never particularly cared for the type of dichotomy as depicted in the graphic. Usually this structure implies that leaders are good and managers are bad. But IMO things like the "push-pull" difference is better described as differences in leadership styles or differences in management styles. Or maybe a good leader-bad leader comparison. But if you have people who work for you, you are by definition both a leader and a manager, despite your job title.

I liked an analogy I read once where being a leader was like being a golfer, and some leaders only had one club in their bag, and some had several. So the idea is that a leader/manager with just one club (ie leadership style) treated every person the same. If all you have in your back is a driver, than that's all you can do. But maybe some subordinates, rather than needing a "full swing" from a driver to bring out their best performance only need a little push in the right direction (like a tap from a putter) and once they are rolling they can take it to the hole from there. And some fall inbetween. So leaders who only have a one size fits all approach is often not getting optimal performance from subordinates.

As a leader, I took responsibility. I protected my men from all criticism except my own. That, for me, is the hallmark of a leader. All else is a matter of style

Lao Tzu said it best- "When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally." I truly believe that a leader should push their folks to be the best they can be. Give them guidance, vision, and training and let them do their job and have accountability for those that don't. They will surprise you with the results. Discipline is key in any unit...personal and professional. People don't say they want it but they do. They will surprise you with the results. A leader has to be on their game everyday because the unit will take on the characteristics of their leadership...if you are having a bad day and it shows, so will they. unit will have a bad day. I think a good leader can and will use both a push and a pull whatever the dynamic situation requires.