Recipe For Success
I have been spending considerable time trying to identify the character traits firms must have to succeed. Here's my top ten list. Feel free to add to it.
Discipline
Execution
Passion
An ability to be dispassionate
Commitment
Creativity
Excellence
Customer-focus
Comfort with Change and willingness to experiment
Maniacal effort to improve
I know that being both passionate and dispassionate appears paradoxical. But I think not. A firm must be passionate about something--that is what will distinguish it from its peers. But in evaluating performance and making business decisions, it cannot drink its own Kool-Aid. In areas where self-critical analysis is required, a firm must be dispassionate.
In any event, I hope to hear from you on the traits you agree are essential and those you don't, as well as traits not on the list you feel should be.