The Importance of a Healthy Temperament

I've known and studied leaders who were brilliant but abrasive, kind but egotistical, and charismatic but devoid of introspection. My conclusion: A stable and positive temperament is one of the finest qualities any leader can bring to a position. It is not a solid requirement, it should tip the scales.

You want someone who does not believe the public relations bosh and who combines insightful decisiveness with a sense of humility. The humility is important because a sure sign of danger is when the leader tries to claim credit for far too much and when there are too many "I"s in too many speeches. That danger is tripled when no one in the inner circle is willing to speak frankly to the Person of the Hour.

I like the story about the brutally candid assessment that Sam Rayburn gave to Harry Truman shortly after Truman became president. Rayburn said, "The special interests and the sycophants will come sliding in and tell you you're the greatest man alive - but you know and I know you ain't."

That line should be taped in the desk drawer of every chief executive.