Most important leadership skill today

If you don't subscribe to the Leadership Smartbrief you're a fool. This was published in today's.

What is the most important leadership skill in this difficult economic environment?

Motivating the organization to higher performance levels in the face of recession. 36.22%

Maintaining customer confidence in a world of uncertainty. 20.67%

Cutting expenses without cutting muscle. 20.10%

Increasing market share as competitors recede. 11.86%

Husbanding financial resources for an uncertain future. 6.61%

Steering clear of government interference. 4.55%

What it takes to lead: Nearly 1,400 people responded to last week's poll. While all about them people fret about the current economic environment, leaders know what to do. In a textbook ordering of leadership responsibilities, inspiring the organization is still job one. Tied for second are "maintaining customer confidence" and making the hard calls on expense reduction so it doesn't compromise the future. These fundamental leadership skills will get us to the rebound.
--Eva Schmatz, president, Summus Limite