The best boss I ever had was one that encouraged me to continue my education. He was more of a listener than a talker -- and he seemed to always have the backs of his team. (Especially when it came to higher ups).
In my opinion he was a little too soft... sometimes letting bad behaviors from people continue. But, overall still an admirable man.
He defined leadership as "inspiring others." Which, I fully agree with.
I've worked for many other people that confused leadership with dictatorship.
You?