Creative CEOs Aren't Necessarily Leaders

ByJohn S. McClenahen Chief executives who are creative may be great to be around, but their creativity doesn't necessarily make them great leaders. Indeed, 45% of 181 senior executives polled by Christian & Timbers, an executive recruitment firm, say the ability to attract and retain the best talent is the No. 1 leadership trait CEOs must have. Less than one-quarter of those polled -- 22% -- say the ability to inspire others is the most important CEO leadership trait. Nearly as many -- 20% -- believe strong ethical values are No. 1, and 7% cite delivery of a strong P&L. As for creativity, just 6% say it's the most important leadership trait for CEOs.