Text 2 [A] Thinks positively. [B] Knows that principles are more important than rules. [C] Possesses a sense of humor. [D] Communicates facts that are hard to take. [E] Cares for others and their well-being. [F] Has integrity and authenticity. Much has been written about the tasks of leaders and the skills required for leadership. There has been considerable debate about the question of whether leaders are born or made. Likely behind these arguments is the difference between personal characteristics that some people have at birth and skills that one can acquire through education and practice. But the important personal characteristics, while they may seem innate in some people, can be cultivated, and indeed, require cultivation in all of us. For unless they are strengthened through conscious attention and cultivation, they can, for example, easily be forgotten or ignored in the frenzy of activity often associated with leadership. What are some of these characteristics One could make many lists, but here are five personal traits that seem especially important. A good leader: ______ One of the primary roles of the leader is to inspire hope, even in a difficult situation. This is not the same as being a Pollyanna. We think, for example, of Franklin Roosevelt’s "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" or of Desmond Tutu’s observation about apartheid in South Africa that since "it is difficult to be optimistic, one must have hope." Such a leader empowers followers, making them believe that they can accomplish worthwhile but very difficult things. He actually creates energy in the group by being active without becoming unrealistic.