In 10 years of running my businesses, I’ve noticed these 5 traits that consistently show up in my Business Partners who have longevity and continue to succeed.

1. They are FANTASTIC at execution.

I worship those who can execute. I build brands and companies around people who can execute. They have follow-through, they do what they say they’re going to do. Their yeses are yes; their nos are nos. It’s one thing to have a plan, it’s another to actually do something with it.

2. They have a genuine care for their craft, and their people.

They take pride in their results. They take pride in their relationships. They take pride in the community they are building, and they take pride in their personal development.

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Our education system has taught us to pass the class, and move on. Do just enough to pass the class and move on. But in the real world, it’s not about doing it once – it’s doing it daily.

3. They FAIL FORWARD

Successful people fail more times than unsuccessful people ever tried. I always get concerned about people in my organization who haven’t been through anything tough yet, because I don’t know what they’re made of. The most successful people I’ve seen who last respond to failure differently.

4. They are PASSIONATE learners

They have a savage appetite to get better and better at what the do over and over again. Not just doing enough, but excited to learn more. The principals of business aren’t changing, but the methodology is. They are agile learners in the adversity of change and are able to pivot so they never get left in the ‘old school’ dust.

5. They THINK right, so they DO right.

There are people who are horrible at risk management, meaning they make stupid risky decisions with little upside. Things that sabotage their career, personal life, etc. On the other hand, there are people who are so risk-averse that they shut down when any amount of pressure is put on them. They are so afraid of not getting a paycheck, title. They can’t handle the pressure of taking a risk.

Is their risk to reward ratio on point?

Succesful people who last have a strong risk to reward ratio. They know when to push themselves when the right opportunity comes along, but also have the discipline to do what’s right over what’s easy.

Whether you’re a start-up Entrepreneur or a C-level Executive, it’s valuable to find positive key consistencies in the team you lead and build. What are some traits you’ve identified in your best people?