It only makes sense in anything you do to model the most successful, elite players that make up the top 5% of where you want to be. 

For entrepreneurs, arguably we may have to look at the top 2% to get the best results – but we can learn some very important leadership qualities that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to the highest level possible despite deficiencies in other areas such as skills, knowledge or ability. 

1. Ability to handle stress.  By definition entreprneurs throw themselves into stressful situations like parachuter jumps out of a plane – but leading entrepreneurs are different in the way they deal with stress, specifically…

  • They limit the impact of stress on their lives
  • They thrive on the energy of stressful situations not the negativity
  • They assume control even when they don’t have it – preventing the stress of not having control
  • Entrepreneurs see their role partially defeating those who are weaker at handling stressful situations
  • Leaders have a self-esteem and self-confidence to ride out most any situation

How about you – how well do you handle stressful situations. 

Here are 10 Stress Busters you can use to improve your performance on this leadership quality

2.  Don’t accept society’s definition of what is possible, they make their own.  Entrepreneurs are borderline sociopaths mainly because they refuse to let the norms and limits defined by society regarding what they can achieve guide their plans or actions.  If you have ever worked with or for a top entrepreneur you may have become frustrated by their lack of acceptance for what you see as reality.  Truth is, they just don’t see the world the same way – everything is possible for them despite the bumpy road to getting there. 

3. Understand leverage and relationships.  Too many less successful entrepreneurs operate in a bubble thinking they can make it on their own when truly successful leaders and entrepreneurs are quick to embrace others that can help them achieve their goals.  This is a tough lesson to learn for those who tend to be completely self-directed individualists – but the faster you can understand you NEED others to help achieve your goals, the faster you will make it to the top 2% club. 

You can be a leader – a top 2% player in your industry by paying attention to the qualities of those above you.  Don’t spend all of your time with those below you or even beside you – focus on those above you so you can learn to become better. 

What techniques have you found in those highly successful people around you? Post your comment below.

Jeff