This is one of the most important attributes. But I also agree with James76255, that you should know how to encourage your employees. Some people actually don't handle compliments well. They either ignore them or see that as being weak. A leader sometimes has to be a coach. Some people need to be pushed and for them to be encouraged to do that one more thing (like a coach does) and some people need compliments where as some don't like compliments, but feel encouraged by seeing the good results of their work, so the leader shows them the good that their work is doing.

I think one of the most important things about being a leader is not only encouraging people, but knowing how to do it. Some people need a pat on the back, some people need a kick in the butt. Some people might need a combination of both.

You gotta do this a bit, even if your job is to make the troops puke during conditioning runs.