We are in the midst of a global financial crisis and this is a question that often comes up during trying times, as employees, more than ever, rely on the strong leadership of their corporate chief to steer the firm in the right direction.

According to New York Times columnist David Brooks, warm, flexible, team-oriented and empathetic people are less likely to thrive as CEOs, while organised, dogged, anal-retentive and slightly boring people are more likely to achieve success in the C-suite.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.