CEO vs. Parent I.Q.

Finally, a simple answer to my most burning question (not): Should I be a CEO or a gazillionaire entrepreneur? The University of Chicago business school has ranked the top traits for excellent CEO performance vs. entrepreneurs, according to the recent Are You CEO Material? in the Wall Street Journal. Take the test yourself:

Group A (CEOs)

Persistence

Attention to detail

Efficiency

Analytical skills

Setting High Standards

Group B (Entrepreneurs)

Strong oral communication

Teamwork

Flexibility/adaptability

Enthusiasm

Listening skills

Now I know why I'm neither the next Bill Gates nor the next Jack Welch: I have a few but not all of either group's traits. But in addition to being an interesting aptitude test, this research got me thinking about another list: good parenting traits. Here are my top qualities for excellent, balanced parenting (and like the other groups, I've got a few, but not all of these critical success factors in my toolkit). Wish there was a school that could teach them!

Group P (Parents)

Patience

Ability to survive without sleeping more than four hours a night uninterrupted for years on end

Enduring sense of humor

Inner peace

Stability -- Economic and Mental

Empathy

Pretzel-like adaptability and willingness to make sacrifices

Desire to be a parent

Innate respect for children of all ages and personalities

Do you know anyone with all of these qualities? What are your most critical parenting traits?

By Leslie Morgan Steiner |  December 10, 2007; 7:00 AM ET  | Category:  Conflicts
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