Knowledge@Wharton published an article and a book about lasting leadership attributes. These ones were identified based on interviews and studies with 25 choosen leaders of our times – "the 25 Most Influential Business People". You find the expected ones: Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Warren Buffet, Peter Drucker, Jack Welch, etc. Plus some surprises. The title of the most influential business leader is given to Andrew Groove, Chairman of Intel.

The eight founded attributes of Leadership:

1. [The leaders] are able to build a strong corporate culture.

2. They are truth-tellers.

3. They are able to find and cater to under-served markets.

4. They can “see the invisible” – that is, spot potential winners or faint trends before their rivals or customers.

5. They are adept at using price to build competitive advantage.

6. They excel at managing and building their organization’s brand (which in some cases may be their own name).

7. They are fast learners.

8. They are skilled at managing risk.