What is the most important leadership trait of a U.S. President?

2008-11-13T16:19:30Z

Submitted by START Chair, Susan K. Tellier, Nichols Vice President of of Administration

On February 12, 2009, our nation will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. This is a great time to reflect on his presidential leadership skills as we transition to the 44th President of the United States -- Barack Obama.

Lincoln talked frankly and fully to the American people about the challenges that must be faced. He wrote his own words and addressed his audience with enduring effectiveness, using quotes that are timeless in their applicability, such as the one below:

The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.
-Abraham Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, Dec. 1, 1862

Nichols College Professor Dr. Arthur McGovern released on the eve of the 2008 presidential election an analysis of how chief executive officers (CEOs) of fortune 1000 companies and Nichols students ranked in order of importance ten (10) leadership traits valued in the next President of the United States. Both CEOs and students picked the same leadership trait as #1, but we're not going to tell you which one!

Rather, we're interested in what you have to say!

Of the following leadership traits listed below in alphabetical order, which do you think is most important for a U.S. President, and why?

Ability to bring the American people together
Ability to communicate well
Being decisive
Draw on the knowledge of others
Fiscal responsibility & accountability
Honesty & integrity
Intelligence
Moral character
Strategic planning
Willingness to work with people of both political parties

START at Nichols College

What is the most important leadership trait of a U.S. President?