Reacts quickly, and decisively.

Has a leadership philosophy. Has thought about it, a lot. Can speak at length about it.

Is passionate about engineering. Is passionate about management. Understands the intersection of the two.

When there is a problem, fixes it quickly.

Cares about women being in tech. (Also see diversity.)

Understands the engineering hierarchy, who does what, and why.

Time manages like a boss.

Knows what an effective team size is (seven, plus or minus three)

Values the 1x1, knows how to make them effective. Never skips them.

Understands the difference between leadership and management.

Knows how to hire well.

Understands the culture of the company, and how to influence it.

Knows that bored engineers quit.

Exceedingly technical; knows when engineers are bullshitting them.

Knows what every engineer of theirs is doing at any given time.

Communicates extremely well, verbally, and via the Interwebs.

Knows when to use which communication method.

Delegates effectively.

Thinks diversity is important. Knows organizations are more effective because of it.

Values data-driven decisions.

Always looks at the big picture.

Keeps up to date, is always knowledgeable on the latest tech.

Writes code for fun.

Ultra-responsive to employees.

Maintains relationships with other teams; ensures multi-team communication is effective.

Coaches engineers.

Says "no" for their team; knows their team's capacity.

Shields engineers from noise that may distract them from their job.

Very transparent in decisions, company info, and the future.