Is it desirable that a leader (= boss, chief, head of whatever) is "loved" by the work force (= employees, subordinates, you name it)?
A nice feat but not primarily necessary IMO. I consider it desirable FOR the leader to be respected - and this requires her/him to fulfill the following: fairness, encouragement, discipline, high social competence, organisation talent, high knowledge, interest in what his work force does, an open mind towards new ideas, an open ear and a natural authority (not due to her/his position) but due to her/his work, high self-discipline, self responsibility, reliability, self-stability, neutrality - balance between the interests of the company and the interests of the work force. A healthy distance balance act, self-control in emotions, the ability to delegate and then trust the employees to fulfill their job - control in a discreet manner AND praise, if something was done good. Very important: to be able to apologise, as bosses make errors, same as the work force.
A boss who mainly likes to fraternize with his force might be loved but not necessarily respected. She/he might turn into a ball, tossed from one edge into the other.
