As part of their lifelong research on effective leadership, authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner are attempting to answer this question: What do we look for and admire in leaders? Survey results from more than 75,000 individuals from across all sectors in the world were consistent and clear. The number one attribute we demand from our leaders and admire when we see it is honesty. A character trait—not knowledge, skills, or abilities—was the first choice every time.

Click here to read the entire article in the September issue of PM magazine.