The Most Important Personal Trait: Passion

What is the most important personal trait a policymaker can have to ensure success in politics or public policy?

Aside from the obvious need to be honest and have impeccable integrity, I believe the most important personal trait that will lead to success in politics is passion.

Success in politics demands good leadership, and no one can lead, motivate and inspire without passion. Even when a political decision or issue is a very close call and both sides have merit, a leader must take a side and then be passionate about it.

Passion can cover up a lot of defects. ...