More than grit: The traits every leader needs
To be successful in running your own business, or even running your own team in a company, it isn’t just about having a brilliant idea or even a burning desire to make it happen.
When I started TwitTwooYou four years ago, I assumed that was all it took. Fast forward to today, and let me assure you: it takes much more. To be successful in business, whether running your own or managing a team of people, you need traits that go way beyond hungry ambition.
So what do you need in your toolkit? Well, I’m going to share what I believe to be the secret ingredients to winning in business, and why each trait matters.
1. Resilience: Bounce back, don’t break down
Every business owner faces setbacks. Clients go cold, proposals fall through, and deals are lost. What separates the survivors from the quitters? Resilience. It’s that ability to take a knock, dust yourself off, and get back in the ring. Now, I can tell you that this trait doesn’t come easily, especially if you’re a bit highly strung like me.
When clients would ghost me after I sent a proposal, I’d take it hard; yes, even a few tears were shed. Personally, I worried that chasing looked desperate, but I was also concerned about my future if I couldn’t land the deal.
Imagine pouring days of your time (which should be chargeable by the way) into a proposal that goes nowhere, or seeing your revenue dip unexpectedly. If you’re resilient, you learn, adapt, and move on. It’s not about being immune to disappointment; it’s about using it to fuel your next move.
2. Perseverance: Is the art of staying power
It’s tempting to change course the minute things get tough, but success in business (and leadership) is often about keeping your eyes on the prize. Perseverance is the difference between trying something for a week and sticking with it until you master it.
Maybe you launch a campaign, and it’s slow to gain traction. The easy answer? Give up. The better answer? Refine, repeat, and believe that consistent effort will bring results. The people who keep showing up, even when the spotlight’s off, are the ones who eventually break through.
3. Courage and bravery: Those who take the risks receive the reward
Playing it safe rarely breeds something extraordinary. Sometimes you have to be brave: launch a new product or service, call out poor practice or bad behaviour, challenge how things have always been done in your office.
Courage comes into play when you’re the first to try something new, or when you voice your opinion against the grain. Bravery is needed to hire the team you really need, rather than the one your budget says you can afford, or to say “no” to a client who doesn’t fit your values, even if you fear missing out. I’ve actually turned down a few clients over the years. I’ve realised it’s better to decline the work than be miserable in the future, spending time over what is contracted on a difficult client that challenges everything you suggest.
4. Tenacity: 'No' is not in my vocabulary!
When you run a business or lead a team, people are going to say no to you. Therefore, rejection becomes an inevitable part of the process. But tenacity is all about persistence in the face of repeated ‘no’s. Successful entrepreneurs continue to knock on doors, follow up on leads, and ask questions, even when they’re told to move on.
You could say it was tenacity that led me to chase not once, but three times, when a prospective client went cold on me. And sometimes that tenacity did me a favour as the client was still interested. They just needed a little nudge.
5. Change is constant: You need to be adaptable
The pace of change in business is relentless. Whether it’s new technology, market shifts, or sudden client needs, adaptability keeps you ahead, like when the pandemic forced us all to rethink our business models overnight (who had even heard of Zoom or Teams before then?). You don’t just need to survive; you need to thrive. Adaptable leaders listen, learn, and pivot quickly without panicking.
6. Vision: To see beyond today’s challenges
You must keep one eye on the future and chart a path beyond the daily grind. A strong vision of where your business or team is heading motivates both you and your people. It helps you bounce back from tough days because you know what you’re working towards. That’s why it’s so important to have a business and marketing plan. To keep you on a steady path to growth.
7. Empathy: People first
Now, this trait may sound soft, but it’s vital for being an effective leader. Empathy enables you to listen attentively to clients, staff, and stakeholders, and understand what motivates them. It’s worth considering that problem-solving only really works when you know others. When a team member is struggling or a client goes quiet, those who lead with empathy make better, longer-lasting connections.
These are the traits you need to run a successful team or business (in my opinion). You need resilience when deals evaporate. Tenacity when networking leads nowhere. Bravery against the status quo. And perseverance through slow seasons and late nights. Whether you’re running your own business or helping those around you to succeed in a larger organisation, these traits will serve you far better than a brilliant idea ever will.
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Jo Buchanan, the author of this blog, is the Founder and Director of TwitTwooYou Limited, a business growth strategic consultancy centred on getting brands noticed. TwitTwooYou offers smart services to help businesses grow and achieve their aspirations and goals. Want to get your brand noticed? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat.
