Technical competence
People skills
Track record
Taste
Judgment
And character.
Of these, the last two are the most difficult to identify, measure or develop. It is interesting that although a lot of executives are derailed (or plateaued) for lack of character or judgment, none of premature career ending is observed due to the lack of technical competence. Ironically, what's most important in leadership can't easily quantified.
People skills
Track record
Taste
Judgment
And character.
Of these, the last two are the most difficult to identify, measure or develop. It is interesting that although a lot of executives are derailed (or plateaued) for lack of character or judgment, none of premature career ending is observed due to the lack of technical competence. Ironically, what's most important in leadership can't easily quantified.