This article was contributed by Soon Sze-Meng, vice-president for a multi-national corporation based in Shanghai.

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was a politician and a lawyer. He was foremost a leader. I was particularly struck by three of Mr. Lee's leadership attributes from reading about the memories shared of him last week.

First, a leader has to stand for something or else he stands for nothing. Many wrote about how Mr. Lee led a pragmatic party and government. Instead, I agree with Mr S Dhanabalan that Mr. Lee is an idealist. Mr. Lee believed in a fair and just society, even when the society he lived in 50 years ago was not fair nor just. Instead, Mr Lee chose to realize his ideas in the most pragmatic fashion within a one person one vote democracy. He refused to pander to the rich, the elites nor the ethnic majority. His conviction compelled him to make unpopular decisions such as uprooting kampungs to house more people in public housing, compelling employers to contribute to their employees' savings through the Central Provident Fund system and mandating the use of English as the working language to be fair to the ethnic minorities.

Second, a leader listens, even to strong dissenting voices, and will incorporate them if relevant. Many in leadership positions receive filtered information, given that many under them may not be willing nor dare to speak the truth. However, many of his colleagues, peers and opponents shared how Mr. Lee with his firm point of views continued to listen intently and adjust his opinions. His judgment was not perfect but was often right than wrong, as evident by the progress Singapore has made. Many shared how he persuaded, always with passion and often, with patience. As a leader, he knew he had to bring others along.

Third, as a leader, every word and action matters. Many choose to remember the seemingly small things Mr. Lee did; the simple and sincere thanks given to a young SIA stewardesses, the photo taken of the trash floating in the Singapore River in his saddest moment to share with the relevant agency, and reminding the cabinet to pay for their own lunch before the official meeting even though government business was discussed. Appreciation of others, care for Singapore and frugal spending were exemplified. The culture of an organization is set by the leader through his seemingly small actions, and his followers will follow suit.

A leader needs conviction to carry on where all seems lost, a sharp mind to form opinions but a sharper one to incorporate other opinions, and character to consistently practice when one preaches.

The views shared last week show that Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was such a leader that many chose to follow him in the 1950s to 1970s when it was never obvious he would succeed.

I am glad Mr Lee led and many others followed him.

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