Hi, Jane - good post and an excellent list ... the responses show that you have hit on something important.  Let the "C"s continue to pile on:) ...

I was personally torn between "Character" and "Commitment" at first for the most important "C", but like others, Character wins out, given the way you define that quality.  Much more active and engaged, so incorporates what I find important about Commitment.

Sometimes when Commitment is lacking, the other sterling qualities seem to fade quite a bit.

Maybe we shouldn't try to pick just one as the most important ... they all work nicely together:).

BTW, someday you need to explain to me how one becomes a "well-mannered maverick" ... does that mean you have mastered the art of calling someone's ideas idiotic with a smile on your face and without them taking offense:)?

John