10 characteristics of highly successful people

You're a fierce competitor. Maybe you've got something to prove, even if you don't really know to whom or why. Some people have a real killer instinct; they've just got to win. And one of the reasons they do is because they're relentless about getting the job done no matter what. That's a big deal in the business world.

You're really, really smart. You may be quirky and dysfunctional, but if you're smart enough and don't screw up too badly, you'll manage to do something cool, especially these days. You see, Jesus was misquoted. He actually said, "The geek shall inherit the Earth."

You're a turtle. I knew somebody back in the day at Texas Instruments who was anything but a shining star. But you know, he still managed to accomplish things, just one step at a time. He paid attention to detail. He did the right things. And slowly but surely, he climbed the corporate ladder. Now he's a CEO. It happens.

You're an idea guy. Some people somehow come up with big ideas. Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs, to name a few. Are they geniuses? I really don't know, but I do know that those who are capable of brilliant inspiration and innovation don't always fit the classical definition of smart.

You've got instincts. Some people don't have their own ideas but they're very good at recognizing a good idea when they see it. They may not be brilliant, but they can see it in others. Some VCs are very good at picking and developing winners. They trust their gut instincts and it works.

You're a born leader. When you speak, people listen. When you say go there, folks do it. Some people have a knack for inspiring others. So people follow. Where you lead them doesn't really matter; you'll probably make a name for yourself anyway.

You think you're special. Of course you're not. We're all the same, flesh-and-blood people. Maybe you're a little bit delusional; who knows? But that characteristic can drive you far. In other words, it can be self-fulfilling, at least to a point.

You're a narcissistic psychopath. Leaders are sometimes identified that way. Well, some are. Keep in mind, there are shades of gray here. We all have egos, but too much and you've got narcissistic tendencies. Some people are capable of compartmentalizing their feelings. That alone doesn't make them psychopaths, although it's a good start.

You've got a head for business. The kid that made money selling comics and trading baseball cards grew up to be Donald Trump. Sometimes it's parenting, which almost certainly played a role in Trump's case. Bill Gates, too. Some people just have business in their blood. Head, blood, DNA -- I don't know where it is, but it's there.

You're a schmoozer. The word schmooze often has a negative connotation. That's just wrong. Whether you're good with relationships, have the gift of gab, or can sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, you can call it schmoozing or anything you like, but it just means you can relate to people. That's a very good thing in the business world.