Most of us will never meet Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder who is now worth billions and the subject of a prestige movie. But how much would we give to know exactly what makes him so extraordinary?
In a new book, The Extra One Per Cent, business psychologist Dr Rob Yeung identifies the differences between high and average performers.
After interviewing and assessing around 40 of the UK's most successful people, Yeung found eight common capabilities that make the difference when it comes to making money, in order to help us learn the secret psychology of successful people.
Here they are:
AWE “It seems that creativity is not a gift but a result of hard work. It can be taught. Having a T-shaped' mind means not just knowing one subject well but learning new ideas outside your field of expertise.” Who? Tom Mercer, founder of breakfast business mOma. Why? He invested the time and effort to work on his business idea.
CHERISHING “Empathy is feeling the feelings of another person. Another skill, perspective-taking, is where you understand a person's plans and ambitions. Most successful people spend time doing both to get into the shoes of other people.” Who? Johnny Roxburgh, founder of catering firm The Admirable Crichton. Why? He makes you feel as if you are the most important person in the room.
AUTHENTICITY “Successful people love what they do. People who enjoy their work are more productive and effective. One study showed that participants who were more satisfied with their jobs early on experienced greater increases in salary than those who were less so.” Who? Mary Greenwell, celebrity make-up artist. Why? She found a job that made her feel alive.
CENTREDNESS “Having mental toughness allows you not to get into a slump when something goes wrong. If you do, you lose productivity. Many entrepreneurs suffer major setbacks but have that ability to get back up. Invest in the time to learn how to do this. Writing about your emotional life can give structure.” Who? James Averdieck, founder of Gü. Why? He brushes off the worries and despair that touch most others.
CONNECTING “Building more relationships, whether online or networking, is useful. You'll do it and suddenly hit an inspirational gem. Stay in touch with people you actually want to build your network with — think mates', not useful'.” Who? Gavin Ellwood, founder of executive search firm Ellwood and Atfield. Why? He understands the importance of introducing ourselves to people.
DARING “Three in four regret what they didn't do. One in four regrets what they did do. Do not get to the end of your life and wish you had given something a go. If you have a hankering for something, set aside time to research and do it.” Who? Malcolm Green, partner at advertising agency Beta. Why? He was told he wouldn't make it in advertising but after his friend died in a car crash he decided to take a risk.
CITIZENSHIP “Mud sticks and today it is possible to find out if someone used child labour in a developing country, is known not to be nice to work with, or did a dodgy deal in the past. Reputation matters and being a responsible person is important.” Who? Tom Hill Norton, partner at carbon trade and fund management firm Plane Tree Capital. Why? He proves that working with the environment and making cash can be compatible.
VISIONING “Exceptional people decide what they want and work towards shaping their future. The clearer you are about what you want in life, the more likely you are to get it. One-legged stools topple over.” Who? Julian Ranger, start-up investor. Why? He concocted a complete vision of the whole life he craves. He reviews this weekly.
Source: Victoria Stewart (Evening Standard)
