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Learning
From The Masters
Article
by: Tony L. Callahan
What
are the intangible, but omnipresent characteristics that define the modern
captains of industry? What is it that put them on top, standing head and
shoulders over the crowd? Why is Jack Welch the CEO of General Electric
or Michael Eisner the ex-head of Disney while John Q. Public still working
away, invisible in their organizations?
By studying the common traits of the people at the top, I believe that
you can improve your chances of success. In this article, I outline what
I believe to be the top ten traits necessary to make your way to the top.
1.
Never Stop Learning
The most important success trait, the basis for many of the others, is
never stop learning. Each person is responsible for developing, improving
and expanding their skills. Success is only achieved through a real commitment
to life long learning.
2.
Be Self Confident
This trait builds on the first. As you progress through your career, you
should be amassing a collection of skills. It is this collection that
should serve as the basis for true self confidence.
3.
Originality of Thought
It is critical to success to be able to think "outside the box".
Innovation is the key here, but don't try to go to far too fast. It is
human nature to resist change. If new ideas are too radical, there will
be resistance. Think your ideas through, present them clearly and completely.
Anticipate the questions and concerns that the new ideas will inevitably
bring up. Be prepared to answer objections.
4.
Be Strait Forward
Being straightforward in speech indicates that you are action oriented
and honest. People will be more receptive to new ideas if they do not
feel there is a hidden agenda behind them. Being straightforward eliminates
the need to couch ideas in too many words. The clearest ideas are ideas
explained in simple terms.
5.
Be Willing To Take Risks
The willingness to take risks is one of the main traits that separates
the leaders from the rest of the pack. You must be willing to move outside
the range of the comfortable and the expected. Taking risks, even early
in your career, can help distinguish you as a person with leadership potential.
6.
Be In Control
Being in control does not mean dominating every situation. Control means
that you have done your homework. You are prepared for the possibilities
and have a plan to manage them.
7.
Admit Mistakes, but Don't Apologize
Everyone makes mistakes, this is how people learn. The important thing
here is to make sure that the correct lesson is learned. Evaluate mistakes,
do not waste time laying blame. Once the evaluation is complete, take
steps to make sure the mistake doesn't happen again. Do this and apologies
become unnecessary as each mistake is an opportunity to learn.
8.
Be Competitive and Committed
The competition here is with yourself, not with others. Set tangible goals
and push yourself to accomplish them. This is where the commitment comes
in. If the goals are worthy ones, it will require commitment on your part
to achieve them.
9.
Be Flexible
There is a fine line between commitment and inflexibility. To achieve
success, you must be committed to a plan. Success is achieved when you
are able to adapt your plan in response to the constantly changing needs
of business.
10.
Be Generous
Business success is rarely a solo effort, most success comes as a result
of a group effort. Generosity is one of the key signs of a good leader.
Recognize, in meaningful ways, those who have contributed to the success.
Remember to keep things
fun and interesting. If you do not find your career path stimulating and
enjoyable, why would you want to reach the top in that area? However,
if you enjoy what you are doing, incorporating these traits will improve
your chances of success and make the success you achieve more gratifying.
Copyright 1999, 2002 Tony L. Callahan All Rights Reserved
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Tony
L. Callahan, is a successful Internet Promotions Consultant with
more than twenty years of industry experience and is president of
his own Internet marketing company, Link-Promote.
He also publishes Web-Links Monthly, a newsletter full of
tips, tricks, tools and techniques for successful web site promotions.
To subscribe, send e-mail to: Web-Links-subscribe@topica.com.
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