Foundations of Success

I have spent over thirty-five years working in human resources and witnessed many careers tank or skyrocket.

In recent years, I have noticed an increasing trend of impatience among younger people who expect to occupy a senior role in an organisation soon after achieving an academic qualification, despite spending little to no time in the proverbial trenches.

However, the brutal truth is that success is not tied solely to academic qualifications or inherent talent. While these attributes may open doors, they are the first step in a much larger journey.

What ultimately defines success is the life skills individuals develop and master along the way, skills that help them navigate challenges, build relationships, and continuously grow.

And these life skills take time to develop.

It is said that the road to failure is often paved with good intent, but those who cultivate a foundation of essential life skills have a better chance of achieving lasting success.

Qualifications may get you a seat at the table, but life skills ensure you will stay there and thrive.

So, let's examine some essential life skills and ask ourselves how long it takes to become exceptional in these areas.

Can all of these be acquired without experience?

1. Effective Communication

Effective communication is the bedrock of all human interactions.

It goes beyond speaking clearly or writing well. Instead, it involves listening actively, interpreting body language, and understanding the emotional subtext behind words.

Communication is the key to fostering understanding, building trust, and resolving conflicts in any setting, from personal relationships to the workplace. Studies have shown that people with strong communication skills can better influence and inspire others.

You also need to communicate effectively across cultural and generational boundaries.

It’s not an easy skill to master.

2. Interpersonal Skills

Closely linked to communication are “Interpersonal Skills, " often described as “people skills,” which are critical for developing strong, healthy personal and professional relationships.

These skills include empathy, patience, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Connecting with others emotionally, understanding their perspectives, and working collaboratively leads to more successful outcomes.

Research shows that individuals with well-developed interpersonal skills are likelier to succeed in team settings and build lasting professional relationships (Goleman, 1995).

3. Decision-Making

Success in life often hinges on the decisions we make.

Whether big or small, every choice has consequences, and mastering decision-making is an essential life skill.

Effective decision-making involves critical thinking, weighing pros and cons, and anticipating the potential impact of your choices.

According to Kahneman and Tversky’s (1979) research on decision-making, individuals who take a structured approach to their decisions by gathering information, evaluating risks, and considering alternatives are more likely to make choices that lead to positive outcomes.

Good decision-makers don’t rely solely on intuition; they support their choices with solid reasoning and judgment.

Good decision-making also requires appropriate frames of reference. These are built up over time by experiencing both good and bad, seeing what works in the real world and what doesn’t, feeling the pain of failing where you once succeeded because you didn’t realise the context had changed.

4. Problem-Solving

Life is full of challenges, and solving problems effectively is a critical life skill.

Problem-solving involves analysing a situation, identifying potential obstacles, and devising practical solutions. Balancing creativity and logic, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure, are key.

According to research from Anderson and Krathwohl (2001), people who approach problems systematically, breaking them down into manageable parts and addressing each component, are more successful in their personal and professional lives.

Strong problem solvers view obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness.

5. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse and evaluate information objectively.

In today’s information-saturated world, this skill is more critical than ever.

With so many sources of information, many unreliable, those who think critically are better equipped to distinguish fact from fiction and make informed decisions.

However, as Carl Jung once noted, “people judge because thinking is hard work.” In a world where information is readily available, it is easy to become lazy instead of critically considering a matter.

Research suggests that critical thinkers tend to be more effective leaders and decision-makers. They can navigate complex situations without being swayed by emotional or superficial factors (Facione, 2011).

This skill allows individuals to challenge assumptions, question conventional wisdom, and approach problems with an open mind.

6. Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is recognising one's emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours.

This life skill is foundational to personal development and growth, as it allows one to understand how one's actions affect oneself and others.

Self-aware people are better equipped to manage their emotions, adapt to situations, and make decisions that align with their values and long-term goals.

In his work on emotional intelligence, Daniel Goleman emphasises the importance of self-awareness as a key component of personal and professional success (Goleman, 1995).

By being aware of their strengths and limitations, individuals can make better decisions, improve their relationships, and navigate challenges more effectively.

This awareness and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to embrace what you find and work on areas needing improvement takes time.

7. Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is the ability to read and interpret your environment effectively, understanding any situation's overt and subtle cues.

It involves being attuned to social dynamics, understanding non-verbal communication, and adapting your behaviour based on the context.

Situational awareness is, therefore, a form of intelligence that allows individuals to thrive in complex environments. Whether reading a room in a business meeting or navigating a social gathering, situationally aware people can anticipate problems before they arise and adjust their actions accordingly.

Research in psychology suggests that situational awareness is linked to success in fields that require quick decision-making and adaptability, such as aviation, the military, and business leadership (Endsley, 1995).

However, it’s a life skill that benefits everyone, enabling smoother interactions and better outcomes in all areas of life.

8. Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is controlling impulses and staying focused on long-term goals, even when faced with distractions or temptations.

It allows you to put in the necessary work to achieve your objectives, even when it’s not easy or immediately rewarding.

In her research on grit and self-discipline, Angela Duckworth found that these qualities are more predictive of success than talent or intelligence (Duckworth et al., 2007).

Those who master self-discipline can maintain focus, resist short-term temptations, and continue working towards their long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks.

9. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and regulate one's emotions and recognise and influence the emotions of others. People with high EQ are adept at navigating social situations, resolving conflicts, and building meaningful relationships.

Studies have shown that emotional intelligence predicts success in leadership roles better than traditional IQ (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009).

High EQ individuals can connect with others on an emotional level, which makes them more effective leaders, collaborators, and negotiators.

10. Time Management

Time is the one truly finite resource, and how you manage it can significantly impact your success.

Time management involves setting priorities, organising your schedule, and focusing on your most important tasks.

According to Covey’s (1989) work on time management, successful individuals focus on what’s important, not just what’s urgent. They prioritise tasks that align with their long-term goals, delegate when necessary, and avoid getting bogged down by distractions.

Effective time management helps you maximise productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Saying no enables you to focus on the 20% that matters most, but it is easier said than done.

11. Flexibility

Flexibility is adapting to changing circumstances, whether adjusting your plans, learning new skills, or navigating unexpected obstacles.

In today’s fast-paced world, rigid thinkers often struggle when things don’t go as planned.

A study by the American Psychological Association (2017) found that individuals who demonstrate flexibility are likelier to thrive in personal and professional settings.

They embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat and can pivot when faced with unexpected challenges.

12. Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, setbacks, or adversity.

Life is full of unexpected difficulties, but resilient people don’t let failure stop them. Instead, they see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. This perseverance is critical for long-term success.

When things don’t go as planned, resilient people adapt and keep moving forward. This skill often separates those who achieve their goals from those who give up when faced with obstacles.

13. Cooperation

Cooperation is about working effectively with others to achieve shared goals. It’s a skill that fosters teamwork, mutual respect, and collaboration, all of which are critical for success in today’s interconnected world.

Research shows that cooperative individuals build stronger networks, solve problems more effectively, and achieve better outcomes in team settings (Johnson & Johnson, 2009).

Collaboration with others is essential for achieving lasting success professionally and personally.

Conclusion

The above is not an exhaustive list of life skills.

But it does demonstrate that success is not just about talent or qualifications; it’s about developing a foundation of essential life skills that help you navigate challenges, build relationships, and continually grow.

From effective communication and decision-making to self-discipline and situational awareness, these skills are the building blocks for achieving lasting success.

Most of these skills take time to develop.

Until next time, may you cultivate these life skills to survive and thrive personally and professionally.

Dion Le Roux

References

1. Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart.

2. Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Simon & Schuster.

3. Duckworth, A., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.

4. Endsley, M. R. (1995). Toward a theory of situation awareness in dynamic systems. Human Factors, 37(1), 32-64.

5. Facione, P. A. (2011). Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts. Insight Assessment.

6. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

7. Hybels, S., & Weaver, R. L. (2014). Communicating Effectively. McGraw-Hill Education.