According to business consultant Ira Blumenthal, successful people are marked by the ability to embrace change rather than simply ignore it or react to it.

He defined successful people as those who distinguish themselves as "change-masters." When faced with change, they take action needed to succeed as opposed to ignoring it, which results in 'death,' or to reacting to it, which may only enable one to 'survive.'

In a changing business environment, this mentality is especially important. He suggests workers let go of the 'status quo' mentality that limits them to doing things the way they've always been done.

According to Blumenthal, successful people:

Focus on quality
Successful people are obsessed with quality. To these people, "good enough never is." The chairman of Hallmark, had a plaque above his desk that read "The Enemy of Better is Best." He said this exemplified a company whose entire brand - the name, logo and slogan - is built around being the best in business. Successful people surround themselves with quality and accept nothing less than excellence.

Constantly raise the bar
Baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles, who hit 150 to 200 balls off of a tee before every game, when asked why he practiced so intensely, replied that he had to "constantly raise the bar" on his performance.

Embrace education, and commit to lifelong learning
"When you're through learning, you're through," regardless of age.

Take risks
Blumenthal recounted a conversation with his 7-year-old son, who longed for the exhilaration of scoring a basket on his basketball team. He explained to him that he actually had to attempt a shot before he could score. By finally opening himself up to taking risks, the son scored 10 points in his next game. Instead of being afraid of risking failure, successful people ask, "What is the risk I'm taking if I don't do this?"

Do things they are passionate about
Several years ago, Colin Powell was being urged to run for President. Powell, currently serving as Secretary of State, decided not to run because, in his words, he "didn't have a passion for politics" like the other candidates. Blumenthal identified this as the statement of a successful leader. Noting the satisfaction and energy people derive from doing jobs they are passionate about.

What makes a person successful, someone others look up to and turn to for direction? According to a Gallup Survey the characteristics of a successful person are:

1. Common Sense
2. Specialised knowledge in their field
3. Self-reliance
4. General Intelligence
5. The ability to get things done
6. Leadership
7. Knowing right from wrong
8. Creativity
9. Self-confidence
10. Oral expression
11. Concern for others
12. Luck

However, there is no one secret of success, but there are hundreds of not-so-secret ways to achieve it in a changing environment. Achievers continue to strive for a sense of personal worth and self-respect. And they value two elusive benefits, great happiness and satisfaction.

Remember that if you do something you love, you'll never have to work a day in your life.

Winnifred Knight, email win@cubesquare.co.za or phone 082 575 9922

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