1. Integrity or Honesty – Dishonest leaders had been voted into office before with great costs to the citizenry. Money stolen by a mendacious official is money earmarked for public infrastructures and services the citizens will never receive.
2. Ability to delegate – The president has the duty to pick and appoint upstanding people to the Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet. The President needs the ability to delegate, as he cannot do all the tasks needed to run a country by himself.
3. Confidence or Security – A confident and secure leader has no problem believing and engaging others. He/she does not have the need for arrogance or feeling of superiority in order to convey his presence. As they say in the Southern US, “ If you have to tell someone you are a lady, chances are you’re not.”
4. Communication Skills – Communication is done not only by speaking but also by listening. A good leader speaks in clear and concise manner and listens attentively. A good president will need communication skills to keep the citizens up-to date with the government’s performance, successes and failures as well as to find out what his constituents want or need from the government.
5. Sense of Humor or Positive Attitude – Is he/she able to diffuse a difficult situation by looking at its lighter side? A good-natured leader will often make better decisions, as he/she is not afraid to show his/her humanity in public.
6. Commitment or Passion – Committed and passionate people make highly effective leaders, as they are tenacious and persistent. They will see to it that a goal is met and a vision is realized. Their focus and perseverance often pays off so betting on a committed and passionate candidate will likely yield positive results.
7. Ability to Inspire – The ability to inspire is an important quality, as people look up at the president as a role model. “Do what I say but don’t do what I do” will breed societal resistance and sanctimony.
8. Competence – A competent president does not need to be an expert in all theories and practices of public administration but he/she needs to be self-motivated and a fast learner.
9. Courage – A courageous person is not fearless. He/she just has the ability to face fear, danger, pain, uncertainty, intimidation and other difficulties without warping or caving in. Calm self-assurance raises the level of confidence in one’s decisions.
10. Servanthood or Selflessness – The president is still a public servant who is tasked to look after the well-being of the populace. He/she works for the citizenry and not the other way around.
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