When I ran for office in 2009, the mayor of a large city bordering my town told me that a good leader still gets respect from some of his/her biggest enemies. That quote changed the way I gave people advice or constructive criticism.

I think alot of people are sometimes aggressive or rude in demeaning another person's idea in business or in government. Even if you totally disagree with the fundamentals of it, I think there is still a way to show that you listened to the other person with an open mind even though you disagree.

This mayor also told me that whenever you fail in life (mostly in terms of an election, but can also be used in business), don't blame anyone and run (or try) again! It seems so basic, but when good leaders fail they bounce back up and don't waste time on the past. I think this idea makes a great leader and is often overlooked.