It was good to see Paull (he’s written generously about his time with me in Yorkshire). It’s helped me to form a view of the attitudes and aspirations of an ambitious young PR practitioner. I think the following describes Paull adequately – but it’s really an amalgam based on my experience of hiring and educating people over the last 20 years (I also have Sarah in mind, among others). Take it as a draft template for success in public relations:
- Openness: Are you open to new people, cultures and, above all, ideas? Can you speak equally and honestly to people regardless of their gender, race, age, wealth or status?
- Fearlessness: By all means be respectful of older people, but are you thinking ‘I could do better?’
- Inquisitiveness: Are you constantly seeking new ideas? Can these come from the classics, popular culture, film, literature, social media, conversations and academic texts?
- Ambition: Do you have a picture of where you want to be, but the adaptability to update this?
- Flexibility: Do you have a firm view of your personal values, but the subtlety to realise that few issues are ‘black and white’?
- Communication: Do you have a passion for words, and are you as accomplished at writing as speaking, in print and online?
PR Studies 
You start your post by saying that Paull has “written generously” and I’d actually add Generosity. Other than that your list is pretty similar to what I would say. However, I also always want to see what people have given back. Experience as a volunteer says a lot about a person’s character. It doesn’t matter what – student union, charity, pressure group, political party, community association. It shows an awareness of the world and social responsibility – both essential attributes.
Great list of qualities… though I think they should be on the aspirational list for all college grads as they trench forward on their career paths.
It’s reflecting other peoples views but this is a great compilation of attributes needed to be in the PR business!
Or indeed, I think it is the ideal template to succeed in any business, and in life as a whole.
Good point, Lucy. Public relations is connected to all other aspects of life (commercial, personal, communications etc).
And welcome to your own blog: it uses PR, but isn’t about PR. How refreshing!