Here are a few characteristics that we believe are critical to successful leadership:

RESPECT: Demonstrating respect for age, respect in manner of speech, respect with eye contact, respect with hand or body gestures, respect for privacy.

TOLERATING AMBIGUITY: Reacting positively to new, different, and at times, unpredictable situations.

RELATING TO PEOPLE: Placing as much importance on the people as the task; having a sensitivity to people along with the results.

BEING NON JUDGMENTAL: Withholding judgment until all information is gathered, while taking into account any idiosyncrasies that could color judgment.

PERSONALIZING ONE'S OBSERVATION: Recognizing that each person sees the world from his or her own platform of observations.

EMPATHY: Able to place yourself in another person's shoes.

PERSISTENCE: The companion of "patience." Both are required when dealing with people.