The role of the leader can sometimes be difficult for those not in leadership roles to understand.  From my experience there are 6 key functions of  business leaders:

1. Providing the overall long term direction
2. Selecting the right strategies to achieve the overall long term direction
3. Making things happen without taking on all of the execution
4. Getting the right structure in place
5. Motivating and inspiring others
6. Develop people and in particular successors who will carry on the good work that they have done

I wonder what you would add to the list.  Leave a comment and let me know.