Lions Don't Need to Roar

The Key Qualities of Successful Managers and Executives

To be successful, it is not enough to be competent at what you do. To really be successful and to stay on the top in business, you must have a powerful presence, emotional impact, and an ability to get along with different types of people. You have to communicate well, and have both courage and luck. Based on studies of more than one hundred chief executives, operating officers, and company presidents, these clearly are the traits of top managers. However, anyone can develop these skills.

You also need the high-level energy of successful people. You need the physical energy to meet the "physical requirements of the job." You need the intellectual energy to understand how to best do the job. You need the emotional energy to interact effectively with others. This way, you can control how you affect others and know how to relate to people in different situations. You can make a "positive impression," whatever you are doing.

A Good First Impression Is Crucial

How people perceive you determines their impression of you. Therefore, to be successful, you must make a good first impression. You can control...