A person who can stand on his own two feet and get the job done is autonomous. This type of person needs little on-the-job supervision. He knows that if he wants something to happen, he has to make it happen himself. He doesn't give excuses or blame others for his mistakes. He learns from them and does better the next time. An autonomous person can always be counted on.
An accountable person realizes she is responsible to more people than just herself. She is an open book who can be scrutinized at any level because she lives up to the standards set for her at home, in school and at work. All people must answer to more than just themselves, as they have spouses, bosses and other important people who are counting on them. People who practice the life skill of accountability are responsible and trustworthy.
Good citizenship is carried out by law-abiding people. It also reflects a healthy social conscience. People with good citizenship contribute to society instead of constantly taking from it. When a child is taught good citizenship, he learns to care for more than just himself. He exhibits fairness with others and is capable of administering justice when called upon. A child who learns good citizenship becomes a fair and impartial adult who has a desire to better the world he lives in.
Optimism is the silver thread that runs through the rough fabric of living. An optimistic person is able to see the lesson in almost any situation. The life skill of optimism is what contributes to a person's persistent efforts at righting a wrong or making a bad situation better. Children learn optimism from their parents. The life skill of optimism is what energizes a "can-do" attitude.
A responsible person should be cash-register honest. This life skill is ingrained in a person from childhood. An honest person doesn't take credit for another's accomplishments, nor does she fudge on her expense report. When an honest person gives her opinion, everyone knows it is truthful. Honesty is a life skill of responsible people.