A mechanic works with tools, an accountant works with numbers, and what does a leader work with?

Leaders primarily focus on people, which is the essence of effective leadership. Their role involves understanding, motivating, and guiding individuals and teams toward achieving common goals. By working with people, leaders foster collaboration, create an inclusive environment, and build strong relationships. This focus on human interaction is fundamental because a leader's ability to inspire and influence others directly impacts organizational success.

The other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not encapsulate the core function of leadership as directly as working with people does. Data, strategies, and plans are all tools and frameworks that leaders may utilize or develop; however, they serve to enhance the leader’s primary responsibility of managing and empowering individuals. Ultimately, it is the connection with people that drives a leader’s effectiveness and the success of their organization.