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During my 21 years of working in corporate America, I’ve spent thousands of hours observing others. Now, as a coach and consultant, I’m often asked what traits I value most in people – and these five stand out. If you’re looking to achieve new levels of happiness and success this year, consider how well you embody the following five traits. They not only drive success in leadership, they drive success in life.
1. Vision
Humans have a gift that no other living being possesses: the power of imagination. Successful and happy people use this gift. They imagine a compelling future that is different from the present, and believe in their ability to create and shape it. They do not reactively accept the status quo or things they do not like. Instead, they work hard to improve the world around them.
They realize that they have the power to proactively change their surroundings and environment. They never say things like: “This is the way it is” or “We’ve always done it this way.” Instead, they imagine their desired or ideal state and then compare that vision with their actual state. If they identify a gap, they immediately begin devising possible solutions that will fill that gap. Then they start hiring them and experimenting with them. People like this show us that anything is possible, and it’s fun to be around them because they tend to inspire us to do the same.
Related: There Are 6 Types of Great Leaders – Which One Are You?
2. Emotion
We all have unique gifts and talents that interest us greatly. Time flies when we use them. We tend to be better at dealing with them than our counterparts. They come to us more naturally and easily than to others. Hence, we are able to hone and improve our skills at a faster rate than our peers. Doing these things feels more like play than work, and we can’t believe someone is paying us to do them.
Life is too short to invest in yourself. We are more successful and happier when we identify the unique gifts and talents we possess, and take the time to exercise them. This not only helps us feel satisfied and happy, but also allows us to best serve the community. Many individuals suffer from burnout, anxiety, and depression because they spend 40 or more hours a week no They do what they love. When we engage in activities that fuel us (rather than things that drain our energy), we not only become happier, we become healthier.
I’ve had some jobs I didn’t like and my life was affected while I was at them. I felt drained of energy when I got home. I struggled to find the motivation to exercise and pursue personal hobbies. I gained weight and lost touch with friends. When I returned to the job I loved, all that changed. I became a marathon runner, reconnected with friends, and pursued personal hobbies such as photography, scrapbooking, and writing. Focus on who we are Passionate About something incredibly important.
3. Courage
Fear is a powerful motivator. Research shows that our brains contain an unconscious component that works to protect us and keep us safe. Many of us hold back and live life with brakes because we are afraid of change and trying new things. We have a fear of being uncomfortable, making mistakes, failing, or facing judgment from others. Courage sets us free.
As Franklin Roosevelt said: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the assessment that there is something else more important than fear.” Courage allows us to speak up in the boardroom, express our true opinions, propose unconventional courses of action and buck the status quo. This is what allows us to progress, develop and innovate.
It can be scary to talk. But this is important. The right people will appreciate your courage; Don’t squash it. Having the courage to be vulnerable, authentic, and transparent gives others permission to do the same. Going against the grain and instigating real, honest conversations when others can’t or don’t want to usually doesn’t hold you back, but it helps you advance, especially if you’re in the right environment.
Related: Why Successful People Never Criticize Themselves — and 5 Strategies to Help You Get Rid of Indecision
4. Mercy
When we empathically hold space for others, we free them from their fears and worries. Empathy allows us to create a safe space for others to be themselves, which is when people are most able to contribute in a meaningful way. Our spouses, families, and friends aren’t the only ones who value empathy. Our employees do too. When others feel valued and appreciated, they give us everything they have. They do their best and offer their best ideas, which helps us move forward.
Over the years, many employees have thanked me for my kindness and understanding. They tell me how much fun it is to come to work when they have a boss or colleague who really cares about them. Unfortunately, compassionate leaders are somewhat rare. If you are one of them, you are special and this generates a tremendous amount of loyalty and respect. When people respect you, they are more willing to overcome challenges and find solutions for you, which means you will get better results.
5. Accountability
It’s amazing how much traction you create in life when you keep your word. The most successful people I know always do the things they said they would do. They regularly keep their commitments, including those they make to themselves. Over time, people notice. This generates a great deal of trust. When you take responsibility for your behaviors and their outcomes, you will work harder to find solutions in the most difficult circumstances. When you take responsibility, and don’t blame others for your problems, you save a tremendous amount of time.
Most people spend an inordinate amount of time looking for scapegoats and blaming anyone but themselves. This behavior prevents us from improving. People who truly take responsibility stay focused on their sphere of control, not their sphere of interest. And here lies all the difference. Whether you lead others or just yourself, accountability is what makes progress possible.
Related: Highly Successful People Possess These 5 Traits
Practice these five traits and your life will improve. If you haven’t done one or more of these things and start now, you’ll be shocked at how quickly others will notice and appreciate the changes. This applies to your personal and professional relationships.
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