Phil Ruthven Columnist

Phil is founder and chairman of IBISWorld, an international corporation providing online business information, forecasting and strategic services. He is considered one of the nation's most respected strategist and futurist on business, social and economic matters.

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Characteristics of successful heads of state

Published 09 May 2012 14:08, Updated 10 May 2012 04:16

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  1. They were mostly elected in the last one-sixth of their then life expectancy (they had a legacy to leave, rather than being
    self-aggrandising)
  2. They were mostly civics, none were idealists or idealogues
  3. They were mostly conservatives using platforms to win office, then running the country pragmatically
  4. They were mostly middle or working class (relatively easy to relate up and down)
  5. They were mostly professionals or tradesmen, rather than businessmen
  6. They were mostly born in second-string states
    (something to prove?)
  7. Most were blooded (militarily or psychologically) before winning
  8. They were tough, resolute and even ruthless when necessary but often lonely, aloof, moody and unsure
  9. They had a loyal aide who supported the leader
  10. They fashioned the economy rather than managed it
  11. They ran balanced budgets, eschewing debt build-up
  12. They were more likely to be Librans, Virgos or Taureans, followed Capricorns and Leos (true but included for fun only!)

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