The Secret Weapon of the World’s Most Successful People
By: Keith Harmeyer
Some use it to create business empires, others use it to lead nations, and still others inspire entire civilizations to greatness. I believe, in fact, that this single skill is so critical that it is virtually impossible to succeed at anything without it—at least not in any meaningful way.
I’m not talking about positive thinking, assertiveness, negotiating skills, an improved vocabulary, appearance, education, or “the secret law of attraction.” All these things are great and might even contribute to success, but they’re of little value without the skill to which I’m referring.
So just what is this superpower, used every day by the world’s most successful people to achieve greatness? Simply, it is the ability to put yourself in the place of another.
Can it really be that easy? Just a mile’s walk in someone else’s shoes? Well, there’s a bit more to it than that. But if you can truly understand and appreciate a given situation from the other person’s point of view, there’s little that you can’t accomplish. In order to achieve almost any type of success—that is, to get something you want that you don’t have now—you must enlist the involvement of others. For example, if you’re in sales and want to achieve greater selling success, it is necessary for customers or clients to buy more from you. If you are interested in fast tracking your career, you’ll need the acknowledgment and recognition of the person or people to whom you report.
Corporate leaders take their businesses to new heights by understanding the needs of their customers, employees, and shareholders, and providing the value these groups demand. Politicians must speak to the desires and hopes of voters in order to get elected. Spiritual leaders touch the hearts of entire populations, inspiring great acts of sacrifice, responsibility, and charity.
Why not give it a try, and see what kinds of results you achieve?