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After starting four successful companies I've found it comes down to one key attribute - TEAM Leadership. I agree with Jaquelin that indispensables aren't looking for the right title or the reserved parking space. My biggest HR nightmare was a woman more concerned with having the right title than doing her job. If companies have a core ideology ( http://tinyurl.com/yf2arn7 ) indispensables adhere to those ideologies in everything they do. They set the example by leading from the front, an no matter how "menial" the job is they are the first ones to do it.

The head held high stuff is VERY subjective. I would be careful about who has the right posture or gives the right first impression or says the right thing by itself. I've worked with countless people who were slow to warm up but were able to give me the impression that they could do the work and had passion for what they did. Then, as they got more comfortable with the group, they gave the group more confidence as they stepped in the jobs that needed to be done and encouraged others to stretch themselves too. They are not always who you think they are. I've seen that person with the perfect first impression become angry and difficult and petty when others have not met their expectations. I would be careful of ANYONE who believes that they can see people by how they walk in a room.

PJSweeney's comment is on target, especially that the "one key attribute - TEAM Leadership." With the emphasis on TEAM and the ability to inspire and encourage trust and communication.

Agree:" The head held high stuff is VERY subjective." It is also culture specific, mainly Western/European.

Says very little about the actial person.

The only thing you can detect spot on someone's entering a room are stereotypes. Yours.

Great read - agree with above that team leadership is a HUGE attribute but the "type" of leader depends on the context. For example, does the team need a more decisive leader? A more collaborative leader? Having complementary traits in a team can increase its productivity.