[DonRotolo]

Creativity is important. Some call it thinking out of the box, but developing good solutions to problems requires you to first imagine the solution, then do the math to make it work.

Focus and discipline: You can't do the work without it. Implies a good work ethic.

Intelligence: You can't do any of this if you are grossly uneducated* or not "that kind" of thinker. I work with highly creative people who are outstanding workers who couldn't figure out how to make a paper bag from a sheet of paper. But a sense f color and appeal, off the charts.

Desire to learn: You have to be insanely curious about things. Always asking Why and then finding out. Also called Fascination.

(*not necessarily formal education)

Funny thing is, you really don't have to be Excellent at math, just persistent enough to pass. I don't like math, myself.

Live the scientific method: Almost everything I do - work, home, anything - is a series of experiments in a way. I do the experiment, examine the results, and see if I can improve. The hardest one is people: They change over time in unpredictable ways.

Humor. Don't take everything so seriously, workahol is an addictive drug.

Be well-rounded: Strive to know a little about everything (but don't put yourself out there as a know-it-all). That'll help with the 'creativity' and problem-solving stuff.

There's so much more, but those are my thoughts for now.


EDIT: Yes, communication is critical, possibly more than any of the above. You not only have to clearly describe highly complex things to the layman, you have to do it right: Any grammar or spelling mistakes and you immediately lose all credibility.

Yes, any grammer or speling misteaks and you loose credability. I cant beleve I forget that.