(in no particular order)

1. Approachability. If you can't approach your mentor or boss without feeling anxious, hesitant, or like you're going to feel dumb afterward, this is not someone who should be in a leadership position.

2. Empathy. Leaders have to be able to step into someone else's shoes, regardless of position, background, gender, or trait - otherwise they will never understand what their employees or mentees need for guidance and support.

3. Communication. The ability to communicate clearly, in a conversational manner where both sides contribute openly, is key for managers and advisors. In other words, it is crucial to have the ability to talk with someone and not at them, and to appreciate an exchange of ideas aimed towards growth.

4. Inclusiveness. Not just a buzzword in this era, it should be a way of life for companies, and for their change-makers - especially in relation to people, ideas, and solutions. Open-mindedness and nonjudgmental attitudes lead to inclusivity, which leads to better production, more positivity, and a dynamic work environment.

5. Egoless. Strong leaders focus on others, and make them feel like part of the team, that they matter, and they are appreciated. They connect with people, listen, and learn, which is an impossibility if they put themselves first.