If you missed last week's Success Thought, "Brilliant Leadership," I shared my observations from a week in the Hawaiian Islands with the best-of-the-best from a company who is miles ahead of their closest competitors.

While I stated the success of any organization starts and stops with the CEO, this does not take responsibility or accountability away from the team itself. The challenge for any leader is to hire smart, and then to establish a team of individuals who are alive and willing to do whatever it takes to make things happen.

What characteristics did the individuals on this winning team have in common? If you guess type 'A' personalities, excellent communicators, being creative, smart and proactive, you are only partially correct.

What surprised me is how consistently some of these other traits showed up in the team-members:

• Physically fit-All day long participants walked and ran; swam, kayaked and snorkeled, practiced yoga, and more. They seemed to have a secret code: "To do my job the very best that I can, I need to be in the best physical, mental and emotional shape imaginable."


• Respectful-Their vocal tones, body language and laughter made it quite apparent that these individuals clearly respected one another and valued their relationships.


• Strong family ties-In looking at the roster of around 700 honorees, nearly 100% brought spouses, partners, and family members which proved that one doesn't have to sacrifice personal fulfillment in the name of professional success. Additionally, more than in any business situation I've experienced, these individuals genuinely sought out each other's families to get to know spouses and children.


• Genuine-This team was composed of individuals who are true to themselves and to each other.

One word sums up all characteristics of the individuals on this winning team: alive! For me, this translates into every characteristic above along with being very present in the moment as well as being aware of who they are, what they want, and what's important to them.

Now there's some food for thought for the successes you are about to create this week. How will you take just one of these characteristics up a notch and be truly alive?

Enjoy your discoveries and have a grand week!

Ann

Want to see more of Ann?

Local readers can pick up the current issue of The Cascade Business News where Ann is featured in both the 'What Makes You Tick' column and also coaching section with her article: "Why Coaching Works: The Science". If you are not in Central Oregon, e-mail us and we'll send you copies.

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for February 27, 2008" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.goldenvisionscoaching.com