Five Key “Abilities” Everyone Needs to Succeed

There are five growth abilities that are fundamental to healthy, conscious growth. These abilities reflect the consistent patterns seen in successful and prosperous people. When you master these abilities and apply them in your role as a sales professional, you will become a more powerful influencer and leader. 

1. Responsibility – This is simply your ability to respond. People who don’t take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their teams become ineffective leaders. When you take responsibility for your circumstances or outcomes, you are able to deal with any type of resistance or challenge to find a solution. Suddenly, everything that happens is either a lesson or something that you need to move to your next step in life. It may not always be your fault but it is always your responsibility. Taking responsibility allows you to respond rather than react, which is incredibly powerful. 

1. Accountability – Accountability is closely linked to Responsibility. When you are being accountable, you commit to following through on your intentions. Accountability means giving your word and holding yourself answerable to it. The most powerful way to be accountable is to proactively ask someone to be your accountability partner. When you have an accountability partner, you give them permission to hold your feet to the fire when you do not follow through with something. Being accountable is the ultimate leverage to be more, do more, and have more.

1. Capability – Capability is your ability to do something. It speaks to your pure potential as a human being. You have 100 billion brain cells, so your capability is only as limited as you decide it is. Although everyone has different gifts, talents, beliefs, and values, everyone has the same infinite capability to expand, grow, and be successful. It is simply a matter of believing that you can do anything you set your mind to. When you say “I am capable” and you truly believe it, you become unstoppable.

1. Flexibility – Flexibility means being open to a different way of doing things. In life, there are many ways of thinking, being, and doing, and most of the time, there’s no one “right way.” The thinking that got you to where you are today can’t and won’t be able to move you where you want to go. If you want to grow and evolve, you have to open your mind to infinite possibilities by moving from familiarity to flexibility. Being open to the philosophies, ideas, and opinions of others gives you more power to use their genius to your advantage.

1. Vulnerability- Vulnerability is power. Many believe that being vulnerable shows weakness, but nothing can be further from the truth. When a strong person is proactively vulnerable there is nothing more powerful. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. The most powerful leaders in the world have discovered the secret of vulnerability; it is their secret weapon. When you are not afraid of others’ reactions, or responses, you are free. 

Mastering the five growth abilities – responsibility, accountability, capability, flexibility, and vulnerability – is an important step in creating intentional and powerful growth in your life as a sales professional. When you take full responsibility for your life in all areas, you acknowledge that you are accountable for your choices, outcomes, results, and responses. This gives you the power to make changes and new choices that serve your highest goals and your vision for your future. 

To learn more about the abilities and other principles and skills that support your growth as a sales professional, please visit www.nasp.com and sign up for the Certified Professional Sales Person program!