I would agree that the ability to effectively communicate across departmental and company lines is crucial. In fact, although Better Communication Skills is #2, it could be argued that they are necessary for #'s 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10. As for a 6th sense of project status - I can't buy into that concept. Granted there are people who can intuitively see the inter-relationships in a project - and PM's who can't. So, how do you quantify that capability? If such innate abilities exist, without the 'credentials' of a PM they will never be exercised.

I do not disagree with the need for team players and political adroitness. However, in too many organizations "team player" becomes confused with "inter-changeable parts" and the idea of "taking one for the team" becomes expected (worn THAT t-shirt!). As for political smarts - those who play in that arena often get caught up in "the Great Game" and devote most of their work day to furthering their causes.