Reflecting upon what the most important Executive trait is, I am clear that for me it is kindness, at work as well as life as a whole.

I would even argue that the more senior you are, the more important it is to be kind, particularly in our communications with others.

This concept is captured wonderfully in a quote from the great Sufi Poet, Rumi:

Before you speak, let your words pass through three Gates.

At the first Gate ask "is it true"?

At the second gate ask" is it necessary"?

At the third gate ask "Is it kind"?

When next you sign off an E mail, with" Kind Regards", take a moment to pass through these three gates.