I know, I know, the good gentleman from our UK office deplores lists. I like lists. Here’s one that’s useful for many of us who analyze influencers and aspire to be influential: Bob Decker’s list of the top 10 best and 10 worst communicators for 2008.

The list is completely subjective. There’s no science behind it, no magic. Yet IMHO, it’s one of the best lists of its kind for 2008.

I see several common denominators among the people who made Bob’s lists. Perhaps the most important are authenticity, commitment and fearlessness.

These characteristics contributed to the success of the best communicators — including Barack Obama, Randy Pausch and Colin Powell.

Interestingly, they also figured prominently in the backstories of the worst communicators. Richard Fuld might have fared better were he less authentic. Most of the group landed on the list for their lack of authenticity, commitment and fearlessness.