Toughness and Leadership

I have always heard these phrases like "Great leaders are tough" or "Toughness is a necessary attribute of good leader" etc. However, I always wondered what behavioral traits define the toughness of a good leader? Or maybe I should ask, how do you characterize "toughness" in human behavior or personality? I know the engineering definition of this term and how it applies to various metals and alloys, but toughness as a personal characteristic was never taught in Engineering classes. Again, one should not be seen as rude and arrogant while displaying his toughness.

Today, I read a good article at HBR Online discussions which focuses on this issue. It is titled as "Three Traits of a Tough Leader" and is written by "John Baldoni". In his words;

"Toughness matters because you need a leader who has the wherewithal to stand up for what she believes in, as well as stand up to others to achieve team and organizational goals. More important, toughness matters when things are not going well, when the economy's tanking, the market's shaky, and a brand-new competitor's appeared on the horizon. Also, toughness matters when heads are being counted and everyone is wondering if the next head to roll may be theirs. Tough times demand tough leadership."

Three essential traits of leaders demonstrating toughness are:

1. They diffuse tension - No matter how challenging the situation is, leaders should always strive to keep environment conducive to work.
   
2. They get up off the floor - If a big strategy does not work as anticipated, don't be ashamed of it. Instead, learn from the failure to improve in future. "That requires resilience, an ability to flex with adversity as well as persevere when the going gets rough."
3. They let off some steam - People makes mistakes and it is a universal truth.Leaders accept it and do not get annoyed by the person making mistake. Get your point conveyed that you are not happy with it, without showing irritation or annoyance. "The challenge is to focus your irritation on the action, not the person."

"Humility - A leader who can admit he was mistaken is a leader who has the right kind of inner toughness. Owning up to failure is not a weakness; it's a measure of strength."

This article does gives me an answer to my question and makes me think: "Do I demonstrate or practice any of these traits"?