Four ingredients for success in anything
I’m currently working with a CEO of a start up. She's a first-time CEO and founder of a technology business. She’s facing the challenges of growing a business, raising money, and growing and managing a team.
She has much to learn about managing and leading people. I observe many aspects of her style that need to evolve and improve. And yet, I also notice some key ingredients that impress me.
It feels like she has the four key ingredients to enable anyone to be successful at anything.
1. Comfortable with self
Even though it’s all new, even though she’s hiring an experienced leadership team, she is relaxed in her own skin. She’s not insecure. She’s aware of what she doesn’t know, and yet she’s also relaxed about it.
There is nothing worse than someone who feels insecure. Insecurity breeds anxiety. Anxiety causes all sorts of issues. For the leader - it creates stress, overwhelm, and all sorts of compensatory behaviour. For others, it also creates an environment of fear & tension.
2. Focused on her development
She knows she has lots to improve & she’s committed to learning and growing. She knows her growth is vital to enable the business to maximise its potential.
She’s reading lots, having coaching, mentoring and doing other development.
3. Confront the brutal facts
She’s very open to feedback. She wants to hear things straight. She wants to know the brutal facts about her own performance and the impact of her behaviours. And then she takes it on board with a commitment to develop. She is creating a culture of encouraging people to look at the brutal facts of everything going on in the business.
Sometimes we don’t look at the brutal facts. We don’t want to hear the bad news, we don’t want to uncover problems… it’s more comfortable (but of course more dangerous) to avoid it!
4. Committed attitude & strong belief
She has an indeterminable belief - belief that the business will be highly successful; belief & commitment also that she will become the leader she wants to be. This belief radiates through her being. It radiates out to others, providing assurance during tough times and also inspiration. It is also a great example for others to follow.
When you have these four qualities in abundance, you will maximise your chances of success in any job or role. You will likely achieve more than you thought possible.
How do you rate yourself on these four qualities?
