5 Characteristics of a Successful Person
by Ron Pereira on December 15th, 2008.
I was recently asked to describe the key characteristics of a successful leader/person. Here’s my take on it.
1. Hustle
Nothing beats hustle. I don’t care how smart someone is, in my opinion, if they’re not willing to work their butts off they will not succeed long term.
This is actually one of the reasons I attribute to any success I’ve enjoyed in my career. You see, I have never been the smartest guy in the room… but, at least for the most part, I have rarely been out hustled by anyone. This has served me very well.
2. Get things done
The main reason the hustling person is so valuable is because they get things done. Instead of talking about problems or complaining about them… the hustling leader is actually attempting to do something about it.
3. Do what you say, and say what you do
Next, nothing is worse than making promises you cannot keep. So, if you say you are going to do something… do it. And if you don’t think you will be able to get something done, don’t say you will.
4. Fail better
Another attribute of the successful person is their willingness to fail. This is to say they are willing to challenge the status quo while not worrying about being wrong.
It also means that when they do meet a temporary setback – or failure – these people find a way through it. They don’t settle. They don’t quit. They are relentless. They are willing to fail better.
5. Think
Lastly, the successful person is always thinking. They’re constantly wondering why. They’re constantly searching for a better way. They challenge others and themselves by asking tough questions to tough problems. In short, because of their constant thinking they make others think.
What do you think?
Do you agree with this list? Have I missed anything?
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- 5 Ways To Become a More Productive, Healthy, and Happy Person
- The problem with that is…
- The Versatile Leader – Part 3
- Stop “Deploying” and Make Something Better
Ron, I can agree, successful people must do these things. I think there are a couple more to add in here. (I know the title says 5 things) But Tactfulness and Respect for people have to be very close there. Because without people how can one be successful… IMO it takes people too, to be successful.
A successful leader can only be as successful as his team.
Just my .02 worth,
thanks, Mike
6 Blog
I think “emotional intelligence” or the art of being personable is often times overlooked in effective leadership. It is often times hard to find driven, determined leaders who don’t have to develop people skills. Then again leaders who are generously gifted with charisma often have to develop the assertive, focus element of thier temparment. Most leaders don’t rise to prominence on charm alone but people don’t usually care what you say if they don’t know you care. I’m not trying to talk in circles but there are two sides of the leadership coin. What do you think?
Hi Ron,
May I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New year.
I agree with everything said in this string, but I would suggest “Hustle” in moderation. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”, and I have seen good intentions being distorted by those who misunderstood them or have an interest in doing so. That distortion will then lead to dysfunctional behaviour. For example, hustling because the CEO says hustle, and it is not Company policy (particularly in an organisation built on “Command & Control”) will have people looking busy through fear. In this environment Hustling could also lead to less thinking (your 5th characteristic). I remember leaders being glib at when they said, “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions!”. Did it have the right impact or did it have the workforce lowering their heads below the parapet?
I am reminded of the old-fashioned temperature gauge and its warning that things run (relatively) smoothly in moderation, not when the temperature is at either end of the scale.
you’ve said it nicely
you got to be smart and aggresive at the same time nice