What Does It Take?
Most every time I’m with a leader or a highly successful corporate executive, I ask, “What does it take? What are the traits and characteristics that contribute most to your success?”
(A pretty good question, by the way. And it does help stroke the psyche of the person you ask. Try it. “Tell me why you are so successful. What does it take?”)
Over the years, I’ve gathered these 28 bits and pieces I’ve listed below. (If you can add any, let me know.)
- High standards of personal ethics (mentioned in almost all interviews)
- A person without pettiness
- Guts under pressure, resilience in defeat
- Brilliant brains (mentioned most often as, “street savvy”)
- A capacity for hard work and midnight oil— and enjoy it
- Charisma— charm and persuasiveness
- A streak of unorthodoxy— (ready to order what’s not on the menu!)
- A good listener (mentioned most often)
- The courage to make tough decisions
- An inspiring enthusiast— with thrust and gusto
- A sense of humor
- Patient
- Impatient (yes, at times you simply have to act)
- Self-confident
- Think big
- Optimistic
- Persistent
- High energy
- Decisive
- Take risks (don’t fear failure)
- A strong faith (but not necessarily a church person)
- Resilient
- Vision (a dreamer)
- Resourceful
- Courageous
- A creative problem-solver
- A lifetime learner (CEO doesn’t stand for “Continuing Education Over!”)
- Willing to give credit to others
