14 personality traits all successful leaders share

When you’re in a highly competitive field, talent and intelligence are prerequisites.

To excel, it helps to know how to connect with others and develop relationships. Nothing replaces a charismatic personality.

Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich” — one of the top-selling books of all time — wrote about the habits of the most likable people in his essay, “Develop A Pleasing Personality,” published in the collection “The Science of Success.”

He introduced his steps to having a “million-dollar personality” by explaining it was steel magnate Charles M. Schwab’s charming demeanor that in the late 19th century elevated him from a day laborer to an executive with a $75,000 salary and a frequent million-dollar bonus (a massive amount for the time).

Schwab’s boss, the legendary industrialist Andrew Carnegie, told Hill that “the yearly salary was for the work Schwab performed, but the bonus was for what Schwab, with his pleasing personality, could get others to do.”

Here are what Hill determined to be the habits of people who are so likable that others go out of their way to help them.

They develop a positive mental attitude and let it be seen and felt by others.

It’s often easier to give into cynicism, but those who choose to be positive set themselves up for success and have better reputations.

They always speak in a carefully disciplined, friendly tone.

The best communicators speak deliberately and confidently, which gives their voice a pleasing sound, Hill says.

If the idea of speaking in front of an audience terrifies you, practice until the experience of presenting to a crowd no longer feels alienating. It’s all a matter of repetition.

They pay close attention to someone speaking to them.

Using a conversation as an opportunity to lecture someone “may feed the ego, but it never attracts people or makes friends,” Hill says.

They are able to maintain their composure in all circumstances.

An overreaction to something either positive or negative can give people a poor impression. In the latter case, says Hill, “Remember that silence may be much more effective than your angry words.”

They are patient.

“Remember that proper timing of your words and acts may give you a big advantage over impatient people,” Hill writes.

They keep an open mind.

Those who close themselves off from certain ideas and associate only with like-minded people are missing out on not only personal growth but also opportunities for advancing their careers.

They smile when speaking with others.

Hill says that President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s greatest asset was his “million-dollar smile,” which allowed people to lower their guards during conversation.

They know that not all their thoughts need to be expressed.

The most likable people know that it’s not worth offending people by expressing all their thoughts, even if they happen to be true.

They don’t procrastinate.

Procrastination communicates to people that you’re afraid of taking action, Hill says, and are therefore ineffective.

They engage in at least one good deed a day.

The best networkers help other people without expecting anything in return.

Wharton professor Adam Grant categorizes these master networkers as “givers,” and he’s found that they build much stronger and more fruitful relationships than those who see professional connections as a zero-sum game.

They find a lesson in failure rather than brood over it.

People admire those who grow from failure rather than wallow in it. “Express your gratitude for having gained a measure of wisdom, which would not have come without defeat,” Hill says.

They act as if the person they are speaking to is the most important person in the world.

The most likable people use conversations as an opportunity to learn about another person and give them time to talk.

They praise others in a genuine way without being excessive.

“Praise the good traits of others, but don’t rub it on where it is not deserved or spread it too thickly,” Hill says.

They have someone they trust point out their flaws.

Successful people don’t pretend to be likable; they are likable because they care about their conduct and reputation, Hill says. Having a confidant who can be completely honest with them allows them to continue growing.

This article is published in collaboration with Business Insider. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: Richard Feloni covers management strategy and entrepreneurship for Business Insider.

Image: A share trader reacts as she sits behind her trading terminal at the Frankfurt stock exchange. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach