Therefore, an ideal scenario is one in which research productivity is consistent and occasionally punctuated by high-impact findings. As noted in the question, many different skills are necessary for a successful career in science. Clearly, one needs to have the intellectual skills to understand the complexities of biological science. This, in turn, requires a broad range of interests and wide reading. I also feel that social skills are underemphasized in the field of science.
Many successful scientists are quite gregarious, despite stereotypes to the contrary.
Interactions with colleagues are a crucial element for transmitting ideas and establishing collaborations. A. Career guidance needs to occur on an individual basis in the context of specific environments. However, it is increasingly true that broad exposure to different methodologies is needed in order to solve biological problems. This doesn't always require learning a myriad array of techniques oneself. It is also increasingly common to extend the period of training by performing additional post-doctoral fellowships, for example.