The Traits That Drive Success
In every thriving organization, certain traits quietly shape the path to lasting success.
I was working with a founder-led company that wanted to define competencies and look at building a competency-based talent development program for the future. I spent time talking to a cross-section of people—long-tenured, short-tenured, high performers, contributors, across different departments, different levels within the organization, and as demographically diverse as possible.
While some of the questions were tailored to the departments and jobs held by the individual, there were a handful of questions that I asked everyone. One question produced the most interesting results:
“When you think about the people who have been the most successful and made the most significant contributions, whether they still work here or not; what traits did they show that contributed to their success? What did they do well? What made them stand out?”
Two common responses that came up repeatedly: persistence and problem solving. As I dug deeper into what had driven success in the business over the years, it became obvious that the ability to solve problems and the ability to bounce back had developed as part of the cultural norm of the business. Those behaviors were recognized and rewarded. Even if the founder and leaders didn’t necessarily recognize that they were actively shaping the culture, that’s exactly what they were doing.
Problem Solving: The Power of Perspective
Problem solving isn’t just about fixing what’s broken – it’s about seeing challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. The most impactful contributors consistently looked at obstacles from multiple angles, inviting input and exploring options others might overlook. They didn’t settle for the first answer. Instead, they asked better questions, reframed the problem, and collaborated to find solutions that moved the business forward.
Relying on “doing what you’ve always done” does not assure future success. Creativity is an important factor, but the willingness to try new things – to take risks, and make the necessary adjustments to find success often gets lost in environments that are stable grounded in routine. Growth often requires a breakout.
This mindset doesn’t just solve today’s problems; it shapes a culture where curiosity and continuous improvement become second nature. When leaders model this approach, teams learn that it’s not about having all the answers, but about being willing to find them together.
Persistence: Bouncing Back, Moving Forward
Persistence is the quiet engine behind every breakthrough. The people who made the biggest impact in this organization weren’t the ones who never failed; they were the ones who refused to give up. Setbacks, roadblocks, and tough feedback didn’t stop them—they adapted, learned, and kept moving forward.
Over time, this resilience became contagious. It encouraged others to take risks, share ideas, and support each other through challenges. Many long-tenured employees shared stories where stopping was not an option and the people who refused to stop. For them, the drive to keep pushing forward, find a way around, or do whatever it took to move beyond became a sort of battle cry.
The result? A workplace where growth is possible, even in the face of uncertainty. It was a place where success was just around the corner – somehow, some way!
Building a Mindset for Success
When problem solving and persistence become part of the culture and part of the belief system, organizations unlock the potential to thrive through change. These aren’t just traits – they’re mindsets that can be developed, practiced, and celebrated. The ability to shift perspectives, tackle problems creatively, and keep going when things get tough is what separates good teams from great ones.
Are you ready to build a culture where success is driven by persistence and creative problem solving? Coaching can help, and we would be honored to partner with you through the journey. Leaders and teams can learn to capture these mindsets – unlocking new possibilities, stronger results, and a more resilient, empowered organization. Let’s work together to turn challenges into opportunities and create success that truly matters.