1. Reputation. If you have an unpleasant image, who else will listen to you and your ideas no matter how great they are? Develop a character that is free from flaws –and gossip. As the saying goes, “Take care of your character, and your reputation will take care of you.”
2. Smarts. Note: I used the word ‘smarts’, not ‘intelligence.’ Not all intelligent people use, or know how to use, their intelligence – they’re not ‘smart.’ Part of being smart is going out there and being involved. To do this you must be well-informed – not just about all the information in your field or specialty. You must also know what’s on the front pages of the newspaper. Stay updated. People will judge how intelligent you are (in general) depending on how informed you are. Simply put, if you know more, then you get to go to more ‘other’ places.
3. Communication. The level of your vocabulary, your choice of words, and the way you speak along well-organized thoughts will gain you favorable attention and make you stand-out. Every time you speak, people will listen. Talk in a friendly, yet business-like manner. Be firm yet pleasant when you talk. Confidence in your manner of speaking also assures your audience that you know what you’re talking about, which will soon earn you their respect and trust.
There are a lot of ways to improve your communication skills. You can read some books or use the internet for some research. Also take some time observing and emulating people who are great speakers.
4. Attitude. Employers and managers hire and promote individuals based on their credentials – but only if they also like the person in the first place. Your professional expertise will all go to waste if you don’t have the right personality to excel in your job or any kind of activity. You especially have to be able to work well with others. It does help being a little more jovial, curious, interested, patient, and overall pleasant. While certain abilities and general work skills could be easily taught and learned in the work place, it takes a good while and habit to develop these said traits, hence making them more valuable.
5. Excellence. This means constantly doing things well or the best you could – always. You just never know when you’re going to meet someone important and get that opportunity to get noticed. Always perform a step better than others.
Having all of these values is sure to grab you a seat to success.
Read, Learn & Flourish!
