Usually, pressing the point resulted in the insight that some traits made the job a lot easier, although every leader did not necessarily have the same personality profile. However, real debate surrounded this issue in most regional forums. I take an active role and push and push and push. . . . Passion, humor, and empathy came up the most often. Strength of character and general maturity were also characterized as essential.
Patience is key.
Good leaders have both wisdom and common sense, and they are viewed as trustworthy and reliable. Many credit their success to creativity, although others credit the creativity of their faculties. The obvious variation in the personalities and temperaments of the forum participants suggests that one can become a notably successful school leader given any of a considerable array of gifts and tendencies. It was apparent that these leaders understood the value of their own resources and made good use of them in sustaining reform.