What kind of leader would you like?

I had an interesting - and encouraging - interview last week. The Director conducting the interview would be my actual supervisor if I get this job. She was interesting, smart, funny and intense. Of course I was well prepared for the standard boiler-plate questions; "What are your strengths? Name 2 weaknesses. Talk about a time you overcame a hardship or failure." Unfortunately, she didn't ask those. Perhaps they will come in the next interview. But she did ask a very good question - one that I had not prepared for or even thought about in quite some time. She asked "How do you prefer to be managed?"
I confess I had to stop and think and now I wish I had the moment back to give a better answer than I did. As I have processed this and clarified it in my own mind, I think the answer we give is a combination of our personality style and preference + what we believe about good leadership.

For instance, my first instinct was to say that I prefer to have a relationship with my supervisor - that's a reflection of my high "I" personality (Influence: Optimistic & Outgoing. These individuals tend to be very social and out going. They prefer participating on teams, sharing thoughts, and entertaining and energizing others.) that values relationships above everything else. Secondly, I said I prefer a supervisor that tells me "What" instead of "How". This is because I dislike micromangement and believe that good leaders hire good people and inspire them do their best. What I forgot to mention, until she brought it up, is that I also look for my manager to provide resources for me - training, books, people - that will help me succeed in my role. I also want someone to give me clear goals and deadlines to aim at so I will know how to measure success objectively. In short, I want to work for someone who aspires to lead others they way I aspire to lead others.

I want a leader who:

• Casts a clear vision of what "mission accomplished" looks like.
• Clearly shows me how my contribution will make an important difference.
• Equips me with the training and tools I need to carry out my part successfully.
• Builds a relationship with me and commits to my growth.
• Holds me accountable to perform to my fullest potential.
• Inspires me to reach and stretch beyond what I thought possible to achieve the mission.
• Celebrates my short and long term accomplishments and the successes of the overall organization.

Wish I had thought of that sooner. But if I had, it might have scared her off from hiring me!
What kind of leader would you like?