While the rest of the world is sleeping, the world’s greatest achievers are working late and setting the bar even higher. If you have high aspirations to be the next Bill Gates, Oprah, Jeff Bezos or Kylie Jenner, you might want to take note. There are a few things the most successful people have in common.
1. They say thank you and give back.
Whether through a charitable foundation or giving on an individual level, high achievers believe in sharing the wealth. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had over $35.8 billion from 1994 to 2017. They’re committed to reducing poverty and enhancing healthcare.
2. They work ridiculously long hours.
The highest achievers persist and push through obstacles. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook starts emailing his staff at 4:30 am. It’s normal for high achievers to be the first into the office and one of the last to leave. You don’t become uber successful without putting in the work.
3. They are highly competitive.
Successful leaders aren’t afraid of competition. They embrace it and have a healthy attitude toward it. Michael Jordan used to spend hours repeatedly practicing his jump shot.
To compete in the high stakes software industry, Mark Cuban stayed up until 2am regularly reading about new software and didn’t take a vacation for 7 years.
4. They set aside short-term happiness for long-term rewards.
High achievers have goals and visions that cause them to sometimes sacrifice time with family and friends. They see a bigger vision that requires a full commitment.
Jeff Bezos used to average 12-hour workdays, sometimes until 3 am where he was at Amazon shipping books out. Li Ka-Shing, a business magnate in Hong Kong, left school at age 15 and started running a business by age 19.
5. They readily fix problems to avoid PR nightmares.
When Pepsi Co. was hit with a PR nightmare in 1993 over a claim a syringe was found in a Pepsi can, they immediately took action. They denied the claim and showed a 4-part video of their canning process. It was later determined that the accusation was false.
Indra Nooyi, former Pepsi Co. CEO was responsible for Pepsi’s aggressive defense. She demonstrated brand-enhancing at it’s best. It elevated Pepsi as a trusted brand and built consumer confidence.
6. They start the day empowered.
Successful leaders are usually up early starting their day, meditating, exercising or planning their meetings. Venus and Serena Williams’ dad used to have them up at 6 am practicing tennis when they were still very young.
7. They share in team success and failures.
Strong leaders and CEOs share in the success of their companies but they also share failures. It’s important for business leaders to showcase employees who are succeeding while recognizing where they’re leadership has fallen short.
These traits create a bond between leadership and employees that increase morale and employee retention.
8. They have a good life/work balance.
High achievers are great at balancing work and home obligations. Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg leaves work early in the evening to have dinner and quality time with her family. However, after dinner, she’s back to work – but online.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the most successful leaders have a lot in common. They’re disciplined, determined and maintain a good life/work balance. They work hard to overcome obstacles and their hard work eventually pays off.