A great school leader must be emotionally mature. Leaders should understand the difference between reacting to a situation from an ego-driven perspective and keeping the best interests of everyone involved a top priority. For example, a worthy leader does not get insulted and angry when someone disagrees. Instead, he'll thank the person for the input and give it honest consideration.
A great school leader needs to know where she is leading everyone. The goals and objectives that provide a school with its sense of direction must be clear to all concerned, but the leader in particular must live and breathe them. Every major decision or action on the part of the leader should fit the institution's mission; minor details should, at the very least, not contradict it.
A great school leader doesn't hide behind a desk. A great school leader roams the halls, pops in on classrooms and grabs an occasional bite in the cafeteria. When there's a problem, he's there taking action and smoothing troubled waters; when there's a celebration or recognition, he's front and center enjoying the moment and adding words of praise.
A great school leader must always walk her talk. She must model the qualities she wants staff and students alike to display. When she says she will do something, it gets done. When she is unsure or even mistaken, she's not afraid to admit it. A great leader must not set herself up as infallible and flawless; the inevitable fall from grace will destroy credibility, and a true leader is someone who can be emulated.