12 Leadership Traits of the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs
“Leadership isn’t about being the boss or being in control; it’s about creating shared visions & goals, then inspiring, empowering & influencing others to achieve more than they ever thought possible.”
Leadership Topics: taking Risks, Solving Problems, Question, Empower, Pre-Active, Decisions, Goals, Learners, Blame, Just say No.
When Winners talk, Listen !!! Whenever leaders like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, Sergey Brin or Richard Branson speak, we have a tendency to listen because we want to learn from how their achieved that level of success thru Leadership. And, it turns out that wealthy people are leaders who share these traits.
1. are willing to take “appropriate” Risks.
The wealthy understand the importance of getting out of their comfort zones and taking a risk. However, the risks have to be evaluated to determine if they’re worth it. The wealthy first examine the (+) & (-) before agreeing to a new deal. While the wealthy are looking for new opportunities to increase their profits, they’re not willing to risk everything on a deal that could cost their company.
2. Know how to Solve Problems.
Successful leaders are excellent problem solvers – that’s why they have achieved their level of success thru leadership. They saw an opportunity to fix a problem and had the ability to put that “problem-solving” skill to work. For example, Mark Zuckerberg, noticed that people were concerned about their privacy when Facebook launched its News Feed feature. To squash any concerns, Zuckerberg made it possible for users to select privacy levels.
3. ask Probing Questions.
Successful people are pretty good at solving problems because they utilize their networks to find solutions. They pose the right questions to the right people to resolve an issues.
4. are Open-Minded.
The wealthy are constantly on the lookout for new & innovative ideas to make their business bigger, better & stronger. If they aren’t open to new ideas from there Team, they won’t be able to adapt to the changes that are continually coming, because of new technology.
5. Empower others.
We don’t follow successful leaders because of their net worth. We follow them because they are positive and care about their business and exhibit Leadership principles. They also care about their employees & customers + believe in what they’re selling. That trait has a tendency to be contagious. As Bill Gates has said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
6. know their Strengths and Hire to fill in their Weaknesses.
Did you know that Richard Branson is dyslexic? If so, were you aware that he considers that one of his strengths? Branson has also realized that he needs a talented team to help manage all of the various companies under the Virgin umbrella. Instead of micro-managing and trying to do everything himself, Branson has surrounded himself with people who can accomplish the tasks that he can not.
7. are Pre-Active.
“You have to act and act now.” – Larry Ellison. The wealthy don’t sit back and wait for success to come knocking at their front door. They succeeded because they made it happen with creativity & passion.
8. Collect sufficient Facts before making a Decision.
During one of their famous conversations, Andrew Carnegie (Steel Tycoon & Philanthropist) informed Napoleon Hill (Self-Help Author – “Think & Grow Rich”) that “Able leaders take nothing for granted without a sound reason. They make it their business to get sufficient facts before making decisions, then they move promptly.” Whether it’s letting an employee go or deciding on how much to invest back into their business, the wealthy don’t make any rash, un-informed decisions. They realize that before making any sort of business decision they need sufficient facts to make the best decisions – without taking excessive time.
9. set Realistic Goals.
The most successful people in the world know exactly what they want and determine how to get to there. They are able to arrive at their destination, because they have established “realistic” goals that they document & track. Jeff Bezos said: “We’ve had three Core Values at Amazon that we’ve stuck with for 18 years, and they’re the reason we’re successful: Core Values: 1) Put the Customer first. 2) Create new Product, Distribution, 3) be Patient. It may take awhile to fulfill” Those were simple – yet effective – goals that have made Amazon such a success.
10. are Lifelong Learners.
Your days of learning aren’t over just because you graduated from a university and have a degree. While you may not have to physically step inside a classroom, successful individuals are constantly learning new skills & techniques that will help them achieve new business & personal goals. As Richard Branson has said, “The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.”
11. don’t play the Blame game.
When there’s a mistake, successful individuals don’t point fingers at someone else. They hold themselves accountable and own up to the mistake. Instead of playing the blame game, they’re already working to make sure they don’t repeat the mistake. As Steve Jobs once said, “People who are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones who do.” Along the way, you are bound to make mistakes. The difference is learning from them.
12. Winners are willing to Walk away.
Sometimes a leader has to utter the word “no.” It’s not always an easy word to say, but that’s what separates the wealthy from everyone else. They are confident enough to walk away from opportunities, investments or business partners who aren’t bringing anything to the table.
Comments: Do you know any other great Leadership Traits?
from Entrepreneur.com 05 Nov 15
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