Firstly, thank you for the kind comments.
Flapsforty raises an interesting question which I have given some thought to and will try to answer it honestly though as before it is only my own opinion from my own experience.
What does a Captain expect from a No 1 / CSD / Purser ?
With a First Officer, the Captain is operating with another professional pilot. Clearly they are both working in a field of expertise that is common to both of them. With the No1 ( used to include pursers and CSD's etc) there are more differences in the operational aspects of the two jobs. That said many of the CRM attributes and qualities apply equally. Some of them perhaps have a lesser practical application and others perhaps more.
If the Captains primary role is viewed as managing a flight and its crew, the No1's primary role is effictively as a department manager within that structure. In this case the department is the passenger cabin and the crew and passengers within. As such I believe it is the No 1's goal to effectively control that department to a standard and efficiency that presents the Captain with a complete package that in the ordinary course of events requires little if any direct intervention from that captain.
In my own experience the best No 1's are those that can rectify most problems without necessarily needing to seek further instruction or guidance. That is not to say that in a situation out of the norm they should not seek such guidance, but rather it ought not to be necessary to simply report every minor occurence or seek reinforcement of what is clearly a common sense issue. Equally communication is a vital point. This is the case not only as it applies to safety issues, but also in matters of regularity.
For example I have experienced No 1's (rarely)who seem to turn every minor cabin problem into a serious issue when there is no apparant need. A group of infants who have been sat in seats that are not served by supplemental oxygen masks is clearly a nuisance but is obviously easily remedied. Most No 1's will set about resolving the issue and if necessary letting the captain know if there might be a delay caused by this. Every now and again there will be one who comes and reports this to the Captain complaining about the check in staff and how this always happens etc etc. Far better to deal with it and discuss it later when time constraints are less of an issue.
I always appreciate being offered a solution with a problem. For example if a passenger has presented as being unsuitable or doubtful for travel, let me know what you want. It may be that another course of action is deemed more appropriate but any decision is much easier if the clear views and suggestions of the No 1 are offered at the time of the report.
The no 1 should also be a good facilitator between the Captain / First officer and the rest of the crew. If a junior crew member has a concern or problem they may well be reluctant to pass it on for a whole host of reasons. The no 1 should be able to act as a bridge for any such matters although of course any of the crew ought to be encouraged to contact the Captain or F/O on matter they feel is warranted.
It is a difficult thing to define, but Maturity is an important quality in a Captains expectations of a No 1. In a job where there are a great many young people most of whom are indeed very mature in their attitude to their charge, I still find that most of the best No 1's are those that have had many years of experience in doing what they do. Of course that is not to say that there aren't many good No 1's who have been more recently promoted, but experience still counts for a lot.
As with the F/O's, attitude, sense of humour, common sense, helpfulness, ability to clearly communicate, ability to listen as well as a general sense of leadership are all important qualities that are seldom lacking in the best No1's.
I also think it is important for Captains to establish a rapport with the No1's in order that they both have a better understanding of each other. These days more so than in the past, the flight deck door is an obvious obstacle to efficient communication between the two departments. As such it is perhaps more important to use time on the ground or where possible downroute to establish a good communication and working relationship between the crew generally but the No 1 in particular and the flight deck crew.
I always try and make time to sit down with the senior crew ( F/O and Number 1 and 2) down-route for an hour or two and buy them a drink in order to take the time to discuss serious or mundane issues, but also to establish a better understanding between us.
In summary this is a subject that go on and on for more pages than the moderator would probably allow, but is best summed up by saying in my opinion a Captain expects a No 1 to be a good judge of character, a good communicator and a mediator. In one word a good manager.