12 Essential Traits Of Successful Start-up Leaders BY Young Entrepreneur Council

From humility to the ability to stay focused anytime, 12 start-up founders share the traits they consider hallmarks of great leadership.

We asked 12 successful founders from the Young Entrepreneur Council which traits they believe--above all others--define great start-up leaders. After all, passion is one thing--but what actually makes a good leader great? Their best answers are below.

1. Flexibility

"No plan survives contact with the enemy." This variation on German Field Marshall Helmuth von Moltke's original quote could not be more true. Leaders of start-ups need to be flexible and be able to alter (or even throw out) plans as their business rolls forward. And they need to be able to do it without getting angry, stressed, or insulted. Emotions like that from a leader crush company morale. --Matt Peters, Pandemic Labs

2. Humility

Whenever the company fails, it should also be the leader's fault. Whenever the company succeeds, it should also be the employees' fault. Your employees are not a vehicle to fund your ego. If you run a company, your employees are now your customers--and your top priority should be to serve their needs, not your own. --Liam Martin, Staff.com

3. Focus

As a leader it's easy to get off track with your investment, your time, and your energy. You want to go to every event, every speech, and every dinner. Focus is what really matters. You need to put time and energy into activities that are the most effective for your business and its success. Have a litmus test for what those are and only accept invites and spend time on what passes that test. --Susan Strayer LaMotte, exaqueo

4. Decisiveness

The most successful start-up leaders recognize they do not have time to get all of the facts for the dozens of decisions they make each day. Instead, they just need to gather enough information to make sound decisions so the company can move forward. Some of those decisions will be wrong, but it is better to learn from those mistakes and try again than to be immobilized by indecisiveness. --Doug Bend, Bend Law Group

5. Stick-to-it-ness

Starting a new company of any kind isn't easy. If you look at any entrepreneur, you'll see a willingness to work through the hard times, but among the greats, it goes beyond that. Seriously impressive entrepreneurs are willing to put in the sweat, even if others can't grasp the vision. They work through the different bits of a knot, rather than trying to rush through and cut it apart. --Thursday Bram, Hyper Modern Consulting

6. Vision

Vision is the most important trait of a start-up leader. The ultimate test, though, is instilling the dream: encouraging the people around you to believe in your vision and quest. A consistent message and constantly renewed energy will help others to live your passion. --Russell Kommer, ExcelHelp.com

7. Paranoid Confidence

Every start-up leader is different, so no single characteristic is the defining trait for everyone. But, that said, I believe the best entrepreneurs develop a healthy balance of paranoia and confidence. They're vigilant and realistic while, at the same time, never lacking the the gumption to believe their vision is right.

--Derek Flanzraich, Greatist

8. Ownership

Great leaders, in any industry, will not let circumstances control their pursuit for making an impact. These leaders see themselves as arbiters of their success and regard external pressures as within their control. When something sets them back, great leaders persevere and take ownership of that circumstance.

--John Harthorne, MassChallenge

9. Positivity

A positive mindset defines a great leader. If you don't buy into a bulletproof mindset of positivity, you won't make it as an entrepreneur. Business is constantly filled with ups and downs; if the captain of the ship is always positive, he will influence others to feel the same.

--Aaron Pitman, API Domain Investments

 

10. Salesmanship

The ability to network and sell. Great start-up leaders are always selling. They are selling their employees to work for them, selling investors to invest in them, selling partners to partner with them, selling customers to buy their product. The greatest leaders all know how to sell and network. Tip: Read "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

--Peter Nguyen, Literati Institute

11. Self-Awareness

The best leaders have an acute sense of self-awareness; they know their strengths, and more importantly, their weaknesses. A great start-up leader is confident enough to be honest about areas for growth. Knowing areas you need the most assistance with allows you to identify the right people to join your team, as well as the best potential strategic partners for your business. --Charles Bogoian, Kenai Sports

12. The Ability to Listen

Listening is completely underrated in most business environments. In our hyper-competitive world, the person who speaks first--and loudest--is most often heard. But soliciting feedback and internalizing what you hear will always make you a better leader. Your employees will appreciate that you care about their POV and you'll gain trusted partners for the road ahead. --Brendan Mangus, Habidy

18 Entrepreneurs Share Their Top 20 Tips - Eric T. Wagner

So much noise in the world. So much chatter.


Most of it sounds like the adults speaking on Charlie Brown: “mwa mwa-mwa mwa mwa”
But sometimes between all the mumbo-jumbo comes ear piercing wisdom. Yes — pure unfiltered advice in search of a landing pad in the brain of startup entrepreneurs.

And so my question when having an audience of rock star entrepreneurs is always this:

“If I were a 20 year old just starting my first business; and you could give me only one piece of advice or wisdom; what would it be?”

Having landed smack dab in the middle of a ton of smart, well heeled entrepreneurs at a recent live event in Scottsdale, Arizona — I asked my question.

Low and behold, 18 entrepreneurs fired off 20 bits of wickedly good advice for all of us.

Let the wisdom begin…

1.) The Power of Connections

“Network! Make connections and keep a record on each person you meet. Ask for their advice and help. Keep in touch with them along the way and build your network before you need it! Quality relationships are the keys to the kingdom.” – Clare Dreyer

2.) Focus, Focus and Focus

“Focus on ONE NICHE! And become the expert guru in that niche with your brand. Don’t get greedy! It’s the reason most quit by spreading themselves too thin.” – George Shepherd

3.) You Will Fail at Times

“Look forward to failure. This is how you learn to succeed. There is plenty of time to get it right —  so go ahead and just do it — and get it wrong.” – Graham Phoenix

4.) Let Your Passion Drive You

“Find what you’re truly passionate about and go for it head on.  Your passion driving you on your entrepreneurial journey. And understand there is NO Such THING AS BALANCE when you’re building your empire. There are things entrepreneurs do that others will not.” – Katerina Gasset

5.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet

“Be of service; give value. Rather than thinking “how can I make a living and make money”; think  ”how can I serve and truly add value to people’s lives? How can I make a difference?” This is what Oprah and Deepak Chopra say is their driving mission.” – Rena Hedeman

6.) Successful Entrepreneurs Have Mentors, Coaches or Masterminds

“Surround yourself with great mentors. They help when you reach a plateau in your business cycle and can shave years off your business development and growth through advising from their mistakes and successes.” – Thalej Vasishta

7.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet Part II

“Approach your business from a place of service; how can I help my audience be more successful at what they’re doing. Before you write a blog, write a newsletter, shoot a video, present a proposal be still for a moment and ask for the knowledge of what your audience needs from you right now rather than to look for a way to “win someone over.” Come from a place of how to fill someone else’s cup rather than your own. Oh yeah and build a freaking list!” – Susan Garrett 

8.) Leaders Lead Through Service to Others

“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and never ignore the reality of your situation. Always be honest with yourself before you criticize others. If you can’t truthfully manage yourself — you don’t have a chance of effectively managing others.” – Jason M. Aubrey

9.) Finished Beats Perfect

“Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you make your first step. Dive in and learn as you go!” – Chris Beatty

10.) Bend to the Market

“Learn to pivot. Resist falling in love with your initial idea so you can discover what the market actually wants and is willing to pay for – and then give it to them!” – Cherylanne Skolnicki

11.) Core Values Last — Quick Buck Artists Don’t

“Remain authentic to yourself and your values as you build your business. Stand for something — never sell out for a quick buck.” – Cherylanne Skolnicki

12.) Stop Thinking of Your Own Wallet Part III

“Help people. Help when you’re happy. Help when you’re tired, and even help without attachment to getting anything in return. Keep on helping people towards a better life, straight through to your marketing. If you do this, you’ll create a marketing approach that’s based on “help marketing,” and you’ll have a business that’s never short on customers.” – Forest Linden

13.) Today is Your Day

“I love this from Og Mandino and wish I had learned this at age 20: “I will act now. I will act now. I will act now. This is the time. This is the place. I am the person.” – Julie Samford

14.) Being an Entrepreneur is a Journey — Not a Destination

“Learn to love the journey. Enjoy the slow steady movements toward what you dream of. And take refuge in the simple comforts of loving relationships, dear friends and your creative vision. Remember to smell the flowers often, listen to the birds, befriend fear. I’ll say that one again, befriend fear because it will likely be a constant companion. Nothing wrong with that, as a teacher told me, fear means: Prepare to Grow!” – Ahava Shira

15.) Unique Positioning is Everything

“Sell what people are already buying – in your own voice.” – Barry Friedman

16.) Negative People Can Bring You Down

“Do not let the naysayers and dream stealers turn your dream into a nightmare. There are so many people that will tell you no — you can’t do this. If you are surrounded by those who do, then it is time to make new friends.” – Katerina Gasset

17.) Okay — You Can Think About Your Own Wallet Now

“Stop doing anything else until you can say you’ve mastered the ability to sell what you offer. Everything is easier when you develop the ability to find a need; fill it and then be paid well to do so.” – Ken Foody

18.) Test + Action = Success

“Take small and medium size risks consistently.  Test your results and focus on what works. Taking action will make you feel alive. It’s where you personally grow.” – Justin Krane

19.) Live By: “Just Watch Me”

“Ignore everyone who says you’re crazy and it will never work. Adopt the stance, “oh yeah, just watch me.” – Debra Gould

20.) Expand Your Mind: Forever

“One thing? Never stop learning!” – James L. Pearson

8 Signs You're An Entrepreneur - Drew Hendricks

Most people don’t grow up wanting to become an Entrepreneur, they grow into it.  I’ve found that there are 10 different signs that are very good indicators that you’re an Entrepreneur or an Entrepreneur in training.

Passion
This is by far something that will qualify you as an Entrepreneur.  If you don’t have a passion for what you’re doing, you’ll never succeed.  There will be days/months/years when you don’t make any money, you have no customer and everything just sucks but your passion will drive you to keep pushing forward.  It’s this passion that will help you to become the Entrepreneur that you’re meant to be!

A great example of passion is John Walsh, creator of Americas Most Wanted. He’s been running this show for 23 years.  Why does he do it?  What many people don’t know about Walsh is his son Adam was abducted in Sears and later murdered.  He’s passionate about what he’s doing and keeps going it today because of his passion.  His passion led him to a conviction of the murderer 25 years later.  It’s passion like this that makes for amazing Entrepreneurs.  Would he have pushed so hard to catch criminals had this not happened?  We all have reasons for starting a business, find your passion and it’ll push you through the hard times.

Doesn’t Take No For An Answer
An Entrepreneur doesn’t take NO for an answer…ever.  They may concede but they will never give up. They will figure out a way to fit a square block into a round hole.

Competitive Nature
Entrepreneurs are extremely competitive. Much like above, they don’t take no for an answer and they are unwilling to lose. It’s not in your nature. You can’t, because if you do… well that’s not even possible. Many companies are formed out of such competitive natures.  They feel like they can do a better job.

A good example of this would be Google GOOG -0.59%.  There were 100′s of other Search Engines out there before they started.  Larry Page and Sergey Brin believed they could build a better search engine than all the others combined and because of their competitive nature, they would not lose to anyone. Think of how they crafted it, Page Rank. They were ranking pages. They were making pages compete against each other. It’s been a competition ever since.

Enneagram = #1
If you haven’t taken the Enneagram test, you should go take it today. This is a personality test that will tell you what type of a person you are, what career choice would be best for you and what type of a partner you would best fit with.  The test, which is a bit intense consists of 100′s of questions.  It will tell you what type of a person you are normally, and what type of a person you are under stress.
They have a free version that should take you no longer 5 minutes. It’s well worth your time. Most Entrepreneurs are number 1, The Reformer.  They are principles, purposeful, self-controlled and perfectionists. Does this sound like you? Take the test and find out.

Self-Starter
When I was starting my Entrepreneurial career I watched as my boss Lane Livingston pull into work at 7am every morning and not leave till 6pm.  He would always tell me that he “got the majority of his pressing work done before anyone showed up.”  It’s self-starters like Lane that motivated me to start work daily at 630am.  It’s true; you get the majority of your work done before anyone even shows up.  Ever since he taught me this I have started work early.

Self-Starting isn’t just getting up early. It’s working your tail off day and night on things that are important. Entrepreneurs are people who tackle projects as they come up and finish them. They don’t have someone looking over their shoulder. If they don’t get it done, they don’t have a place to live. They put everything on the line.

Think Outside The Box
You’re going to have to think outside the box now days if you want to change the world. Founder of Amazon Jeff Bezos said “Entrepreneurs must be willing to be misunderstood for long periods of time.”  I like to call this thinking outside the box.  If you just think inside the box, nothing will ever change.  You have to be willing to take chances on crazy things.

Einstein was considered crazy for years before he proved the theory of relativity, he later received the Noble Prize for his crazy findings.  Bezos left his well-paying job at a hedge fund in NYC to start a company out of his garage that would later be called Amazon.  He left his job because of a law that passed that said retailers didn’t have to collect taxes in states where they didn’t have a physical presence.  Brilliant or stupid, you ask me?

Unpredictable
Most entrepreneurs’ plans change by the minute. You have to if you’re going to get ahead in this World. You will truly know that you’re an Entrepreneur if your business life is a little unpredictable. ”Entrepreneurs have to pivot consistently” according to Eric Ries of Lean Startup. This is what will dramatically improve the odds for success.

Strong People Skills
To succeed in business you have to be willing to communicate. Communication is one of the keys to success and every Entrepreneur should have this. I will put a caveat on this though. There are many Entrepreneurs that aren’t good at this but team up with someone that is VERY good at this.  An example of this would be Mark Zuckerberg. When he started The Facebook he didn’t quite have the skills to make things work.  I believe it was more business skills that he needed in the beginning more than money, you can get money anywhere.  He needed Edwardo Saverin to be the business end and people end of the company.

If you don’t have people skills you need to find a partner with them.  Someone on your core team needs to have strong people skills in order to succeed.

Remember, being an Entrepreneur is neither a part-time nor a full-time job.  It’s a lifestyle.