Leadership Traits to Emulate

It is often said that leaders are born, not made. While this may be true, there are many people who rise from positions of weakness, find their strength and become leaders. Those who are successful — in business, relationships or personal life — possess qualities that others do not. By emulating these shining successes, everyone can learn principles that can enhance their lives in ways that are unimaginable.

Breaking the Employee Mindset

The first quality that most successful business owners share is that they have a mindset that is different from everyone else. They take on the role of “boss” immediately, creating opportunity instead of waiting for it to be handed to them. While being an employee is a mostly passive activity — being assigned tasks, taking orders, waiting for approval — being an entrepreneur is decidedly active. Entrepreneurs decide what needs to be done and do it. They take total responsibility for the business and act accordingly.

Daymond John

Success Story Example: Daymond John

The founder of the FUBU clothing line found that he was turned down again and again for work in the fashion design industry. He went on to create, market and distribute his own clothing line. He is now a published author, public speaker and brand ambassador for online retailer Shopify. His net worth is now over $250 million.

Change is Good

To most employees, change is a bad thing. A new boss, new office layout or new company policies can completely unhinge workers and bring down morale. Entrepreneurs see change differently. They welcome it as a means of growth, taking on new ideas and finding creative solutions to old problems. As a successful business owner, you have to be keenly aware of changing trends, new developments and outside influences. These issues are farthest from the minds of employees who are often simply focusing on their assigned tasks. Embrace change and make it work for you.

Steve Wynn

Success Story Example: Steve Wynn

Wynn took over the family’s failing bingo business and turned it into a shining success. He then took the proceeds from that business and invested in the Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It was that move that catapulted him to his current empire. While other Las Vegas hotels were doing the same things they had already done, Wynn changed the game. He created the first all-inclusive resorts, where people could visit restaurants, play in the casinos and go shopping without ever leaving their hotels. Wynn took a leap of faith when he engineered this concept, ignoring all resistance and creating an empire.

Tunnel Vision

The most successful entrepreneurs eat, sleep and dream their businesses. They are constantly on the hunt for new information, learning all they can about the industry. They talk to industry professionals, build relationships and hire smart teams. They don’t spend their leisure time in mindless activities. Every waking minute is spent doing something to advance their goals. There is another surprising aspect of tunnel vision, however, that many people fail to realize. The most successful business owners know when to quit. While most people are reluctant to give up a cause they’re invested in, successful people understand when its time to cut your losses and move on.

Warren Buffett

Success Story Example: Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is America’s richest person, and for good reason. Buffet started from small beginnings in securities and grew his wealth from there. He remained in his field, honing his skills and enjoying increased wealth as the years went on. Following in the footsteps of greats like Dale Carnegie, Buffett educated himself about his industry and made a steady climb until he became the wealthiest person in America with a net worth of $58.5 billion.

Gaining success in business doesn’t happen by accident, nor does it happen overnight. It takes dogged determination, skill and intelligence to see the summit. By following in the path of business greats like Wynn, Buffett and John, you will be well on your way to the top.

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