In a recent article in Investor’s Business Daily, Sonja Carberry interviewed Jim McCormick, Razi Imam, and myself to identify the “X Factor” qualities in entrepreneurs and executives who tend to rise above the rest. From what Sonja gathered, they’re people who tend to:
Aim The Highest
Change The Speed
Stare Down Trouble
Fall In Love
Accept Discomfort
Tap That Intangible
Consider the list in reference to your own approach to life and work. Is there anything on it–or in your life–that you would change?
This is a great list of qualities, and I agree that all of them are key components of effective entrepreneurs and executives.
I’d add one more to your list: ability to be a good listener. In my experience, truly Mega Performers are able to not only motivate people and set direction but also listen to others in the organization and get a feel for where the organization is naturally heading. Such listening allows one to go from top-down dictation of goals and vision but rather from the bottom-up.