What makes a great tank?

[Blitzace]

Well i've tanked over 700 dungeons.

First thing i do is say Hello to everyone, At that point i'll take a glimps at their HP(Often a good indicator of their gear and such) If no one says they are new or rusty, and there is no MSG saying there is a new player. From the first pull i'll get a good impression on what the healer & dps are capable off and i'll pull accordingly to that.

Dungeons wise i know them all(Atleast lv50+) Out of my head, Know the strats the tricks etc.
And if i notice people struggle or they don't know what to do i usually just type it in chat, without directing it at someone because i had cases where people would flip out.(I always say it nice and just try to be helpful)

But when i get into a dungeon and i see i have 2 DPS that are both fresh(Lv 50/55 gear or even below) I'll take it easy and i'll take the time to explain the bosses and answer any questions they have.
I mean 10 minutes more or less in a dungeon is not gonna kill my fun and i think they'll enjoy it 10 times the time if i would just rush in and let them wipe over and over.

And i think a few key points for tanks are

- Micro managing hate, Not losing hate and just switch targets to make sure the DPS can go full out without holding back.
- Know the surroundings - It happens that people on accident pull a chain of mobs, Its your responsibilty to get them out of that mess.
- Know the strats - If a DPS screws up, you won't notice it as fast as a tank or heal screw up. That usually means a wipe.
- Know your cooldowns - The amount of time my party has wiped and i was literally the last guy standing and somehow managed to still kill the boss? Or just to give your healers a breather to get other people up/heal em.
- You're just a player like everyone else <- Just because you have an important role doesn't mean you're god by any means, I've seen those tanks.

[Kossuranta]

- Micro managing hate, Not losing hate and just switch targets to make sure the DPS can go full out without holding back.

This is also a job for DPS atleast when they have better gear than tank. I mean every tank knows situation where is BLM doing awesome AoE and MNK/NIN doing awesome single target damage where you are usually just barely keeping aggro.

- Know the surroundings - It happens that people on accident pull a chain of mobs, Its your responsibilty to get them out of that mess.

Accidentally (like patrols) and on purpose which happens with impatient people (usually that means that you are doing too small pulls)

And then ofcourse NUMBERING!
If you are DPS focus the ones that are numbered! Lower geared tanks might not keep up with 2 players going full down on different mobs like well geared tanks can. Or we also usually mark targets that should die asap for whatever reason.