7_DeAndaA

Dear Professor Kim,

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 In the business environment, one must assume the role of a professional and leave behind any unwanted, unnecessary traits he/she possesses. It is common nature that during professional times, professional attitudes and characteristics become more noticeable. People would say that for a person to be successful, he or she must possess a certain set of skills and characteristics. I do not necessarily agree with this statement, referring to the idea that a specific list exists that all successful individuals have. Many leaders and individuals of the past have been very successful but have very little in common (i.e. John F. Kennedy and Adolf Hitler). I do believe however that there are certain traits and skills that are most common, and that successful individuals seek to possess at one point or another. The following are some, but certainly not all, traits that I believe help create success. ======

 · Coach ability: Everyone is constantly learning, from the bottom level employees all the way up to senior management. Having the openness and ability to allow you to learn new things and take in advice well will allow for constant growth.  · Work ethic: You can be the most talented, knowledgeable individual in the industry. If you are lazy and do not have good work ethics, then all that goes to waste. Successful individuals know that putting the hard work in will result in great rewards and results.  · Time management: Time is money. A lot of what business professionals accomplish at work revolves around deadlines and due dates. Managing ones time to get all the necessary work done is vital. Also, managing ones work life with his/her personal life can play a big part in it. Those who can better plan and use their time will be able to produce great results.  · Self-drive/motivation: Any successful individual will agree that waiting around for someone else to do the work will get a person nowhere. An individual who can work at his/her own pace, without having to be constantly told to work or strive, shows great character and eagerness to succeed. These are the ones that choose to not be an average worker, and to be the best they can be.  · Workability with others: Teamwork and jobs involving others are very common nowadays, and those who are easy to get along with and can actively participate and perform well with others have a much higher chance of success. Whether it’s a group project for school or a committee planning a big investment, getting along with subordinates shows good character and makes the individual that much more beneficial.  · Leadership: The ability to lead and direct others is one that involves great understanding and commitment. Those who have shined in the past have been able to perfect their skills to be the voice of reason and motivation for others around him/her. Being a leader means that not only can you be counted on by your peers, but that you also there to guide and help with needed aide.

 These are just some of many characteristics, skills, and traits that help an individual create success not only for themselves, but also for those around. I am not saying that all these must be present for success to happen, nor that failure to possess one will result in absolutely no success. There are countless stories of individuals who create massive amounts of success with or without traits listed here. The main focus is that if a person wants to be successful, he/she must find out what traits and skills are best fit them and their own unique situation. Success is measured in many different ways. In that same manner, creating and possessing successful traits and characteristics is also measured in many different ways.

 On a more personal note, I believe that I do not possess the “perfect set” of traits and skills needed to be considered successful or to yet create success. I feel that, over the years, I have developed the traits that I do have and have been able to use them to my advantage. I am happy, and thankful, to say that so far I would consider myself successful for my age, in what I have accomplished and lived so far. In my near future, my plans are to continuously put myself in situations that push me out of my comfort zones and to challenge myself to become a better person. Through the failures and setbacks that I come across, progressions and helpful aide will be beneficial to the development of my own set of skills and characteristics. I am a strong believer that an individual learns the most from situations and instances that are negative or result in negative outcomes. So I hope that in pushing myself and going through opportunities to learn, it will be a beneficial journey to personal success.

Best wishes,

Alexander De Anda