As a relative new (Well it's been 12 months now, so does that make me "old hat??") conductor, I have worked hard both opn my band, and on myself in an effort to improve. Feedback from the bands shows they feel I am a good motivator, with a great tempterment. At a recent conductor's workshop, I was told I had a lot to offer band and great ideas, even though my stick technique may not be A grade.
As a player, I've found conductors that try to stick to one style of music too much a bit offputting. I try hard to get a varied program, even if my band sometimes disappoves of my selections (the dynamics in Hymn to the Fallen tiffs off many!!). Also I have played in bands where the conductor has no long-term memory, he is always fiddling with things. that's great if you like to play different parts, but sometimes you just feel you wish you could spend more time on a part/instrument!
Maybe it's because I have worked with so many higher grade bands and their conductors, that I get very dismayed with lower grade conductors. Admittedly, I conduct a lower grade band, but sometimes there are people who are "filling in" by waving the stick and they have no rehearsal skills or stick technique. It's distracting as a player when you try to follow the beat you see when the band has decided they like another speed/style or whatever.