From Mark Horstman’s weekly newsletter Thing I Think I Think:
As background, I have a rule about questions: you’re entitled to an honest answer to any question to which you’re entitled to an answer. This one passes that test.
The reason I didn’t like the question is we don’t trade in traits here. To us, it’s all about behavior. I don’t spend much time thinking about what’s on the inside. I care about the expression of it, in behaviors. I don’t even care if you have a bad attitude, as long as none of your behaviors indicate it.
I also don’t like the question because choosing the #1 thing in a list is tantamount to starting a debate. And a lot of times, I can just feel that the person asking has their own number one, and…off we go. And, we have a habit of oversimplifying things such that #1 is such a force that #2 doesn’t even get a wink. But if management could be boiled down to one trait, well, things would be a lot easier.
And one more thing: Mike and I agreed when we started MT that we would assume ethical behavior. I suppose if that were in doubt, I’d say it would have to be honesty. But that’s off the table, assumed.
And so my answer: discipline. If we’re disciplined as managers, we sooner or later learn that results and retention alone are all we have time for, and we will be careful and focused in our search for those goals. If we are undisciplined, those great twin stars of managerial navigation will almost always elude us.
Yes, if you’re really, really smart, you can be undisciplined. But imagine what those undisciplined but heralded leaders could have done had they remained disciplined?!? Oh my. And in my experience, virtually none of us are that smart.”