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The First Princples of Competitive Success.
Explore the foundational behaviours and patterns that pave the way to high achievement - in any endeavour:
In an era where success is often attributed to the wisdom of motivational influencers or the allure of celebrity culture, there's a growing need to demystify what truly drives achievement. This study was initiated to:
Examine Universal Principles: Rather than hanging on every word of the messenger, we aim to understand the message. By examining the lives of both "influencer class" figures and other successful individuals from diverse fields, we seek to demostrate the core principles of success that are universally applicable.
Challenge the Influencer Dependency There's a prevalent belief that success requires following in the footsteps of high-profile figures. This study questions that notion, proposing that success can be achieved by anyone who applies these first principles, regardless of mentorship or fame.
Empower Through Knowledge By dissecting the behaviors and patterns of success, we empower individuals to take control of their own journey. The study aims to provide actionable insights that can be adapted to personal, professional, or even life-threatening contexts.
Highlight Diverse Success Stories Success isn't one-dimensional. From the arts with Peter Jackson and J.K. Rowling to the heroism of Sully Sullenberger in life-or-death situations, and the monumental leadership of Nelson Mandela, we showcase how these principles manifest across varied landscapes, proving their versatility and power.
Promote Self-Reliance: We intend to foster a culture of self-reliance where individuals learn to trust in their ability to navigate their path to success, using these principles as a compass rather than relying on external guidance.
Bridge Theory and Practice: Particularly with the "Influencer Class", there's an interest in seeing if what they preach aligns with what they practice. This analysis helps in understanding the authenticity and applicability of their work.
By participating in our Action Style assessment, you too can reflect on your own success patterns, benchmarking against our eight subjects. The Action Style assessment is an effective, proven insight instrument that reveals people's "operating style", by focusing on behaviours that are effective when they're used selectively to suit specific situations.
Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, known for her work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy.
Through her best-selling books like "Daring Greatly" and her popular TED talks, she has popularized the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful attribute in human connections and personal growth.
Key Takeaway
Brown's strongly observed preferences for setting priorities and assertiveness highlight the power of emotional clarity in driving success. Her approach teaches us that courage in vulnerability can be a strategic asset, emphasising that understanding and embracing one's emotions can lead to profound personal and professional achievements..
Key Takeaway
Robbins excels in setting priorities and pursuing objectives, showing that aggressive goal setting combined with assertiveness can fuel monumental achievements. Yet, his lower flexibility score suggests a more rigid strategy, indicating that while determination is vital, adaptability might be an area for growth.
Tony Robbins is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and life coach celebrated for his seminars on personal development, peak performance, and leadership psychology.
His flagship events like "Unleash the Power Within" have influenced millions, teaching people how to achieve their goals through personal empowerment and strategic life coaching.
Molly Bloom is an American entrepreneur and speaker who transitioned from competitive skiing to running an exclusive, high-stakes poker game in Hollywood.
Her story was dramatised in the film "Molly's Game," and her memoir of the same name sheds light on her journey from sports to the high-pressure world of underground poker.
Key Takeaway
Bloom's observed extreme prioritisation and objective pursuit behaviours underscore the importance of focus in success. Her lesser flexibility and evaluation preferences imply a strategy that's decisive but might benefit from more adaptability, suggesting that while determination is crucial, periodic reflection and strategic pivoting could enhance her approach.
Key Takeaway
Kiyosaki's profile shows high assertiveness and objective pursuit with less emphasison collaboration and flexibility, suggesting success through individual determination and a focused, sometimes inflexible, approach to finance. His strategy highlights the importance of self-reliance in financial success, though it might also benefit from occasional teamwork and adaptability in changing markets.
Robert Kiyosaki is a businessman, investor, and motivational speaker, most famous for his book "Rich Dad Poor Dad." His teachings focus on financial education, advocating for financial independence through entrepreneurship, investing, and real estate.
His work has inspired a movement towards better financial literacy and wealth building.
Her obeserved reduced preference for using surprise might not directly relate to her teachings, but her focus on authenticity over unpredictability in personal growth matches her profile.
Her low flexibility and evaluation proferences (as observed) might not fully align with the entrepreneurial spirit she preaches, which often requires adaptability and continuous strategic reassessment. This might suggest a need for her to highlight these aspects more in her teachings.
His low observed flexibility could suggest a potential disconnect if his teachings on adaptability don't match his personal practice.
However, his success might imply that his rigid strategy works for him, though he does encourage flexibility in his teachings for others.
His teachings on adapting to market changes and leveraging opportunities might not perfectly reflect his zero flexibility score. This could indicate a personal preference for a set strategy over adapting, which might not be as emphasised in his teachings.
His moderate predicted preference for evaluating results suggests he might not stress enough on the importance of regular financial reviews in his public advice.
All four influencers show a significant alignment between their personal success behaviors and what they teach, particularly in areas like setting priorities, pursuing objectives, and acting assertively.
However, there are nuances where their personal practices might differ from their public teachings, especially in flexibility and collaboration.
This could either be because they emphasize different strategies for their audience than what serves them personally, or it might highlight areas where they could potentially grow or adapt their own methods to match their advice more closely.
This analysis suggests that while these influencers do practice much of what they preach, there's room for them to reconcile their personal strategies with their teachings, particularly in areas like adaptability and teamwork, where their personal scores are lower.
This section deals with four celebrated success stories, all unconnected, each of whom in their own individual ways achieved not just notable, but highly consequential successes in their fields.
Our subjects:
From the arts, to aviation, to global statesmanship, these individuals all followed their own unique paths, achieveing success and writing their life stories in their own unique ways. But are the any common factors, behaviours or actions about them, that we can use as evidence to support the validity of the First Principles of Competitive Success?
Read on, for summaries and links to our full analysis for each.
Nelson Mandela was a pivotal figure in South African history. Born in 1918 in the Eastern Cape, he studied law at Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand, becoming actively involved in anti-apartheid politics. He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, where he helped form the ANC Youth League.
Mandela's activism led to his arrest and 27 years of imprisonment, starting in 1964. Released in 1990, he played a crucial role in negotiating the end of apartheid, leading to the first multi-racial elections in 1994, where he became South Africa's first black president. His presidency focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through reconciliation. Mandela retired from politics in 1999 and continued his work in human rights until his death in 2013.
Nelson Mandela's incredible story showcases his strategic focus on setting clear priorities, which was crucial in his fight against apartheid and his leadership in a newly democratic South Africa. His commitment to pursuing objectives was evident in his long-term vision for a non-racial society, as demonstrated by his efforts in negotiating with the National Party for political change. Collaboration was a cornerstone of his approach, seen in his ability to unite diverse political forces for national reconciliation, notably through the formation of the Government of National Unity.
However, Mandela's style was less about immediate result evaluation or using surprise as a tactic. Instead, his leadership was characterized by a measured pace aimed at long-term stability rather than short-term gains. His assertiveness was tempered by a preference for dialogue and negotiation over confrontation, and while he ensured operational security, his primary method was transparency to foster trust. His style leaned towards inspiring hope and unity rather than focusing on administrative details or flexibility, reflecting his dedication to his principles and the enduring legacy of peace and justice he sought to establish.
How does your own Action Style compare?
Create your own Action Style assessment to find out.
Peter Jackson, a visionary New Zealand filmmaker, is best known for his groundbreaking work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He directed, co-wrote, and produced this epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels, consisting of "The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), "The Two Towers" (2002), and "The Return of the King" (2003). Jackson's approach revolutionised fantasy cinema by shooting all three films simultaneously, ensuring narrative cohesion across a saga spanning nearly 10 hours.
His innovative use of technology, notably motion capture for the character Gollum, set new standards for visual effects. The trilogy's success was monumental, amassing 17 Academy Awards, including Best Director for Jackson, and reshaping the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking. By choosing New Zealand as the backdrop, he not only provided a breathtaking setting but also boosted his home country's film industry, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential directors of his generation.
Peter Jackson's approach in directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy highlighted his exceptional ability to set priorities and pursue objectives with laser-like focus. His style leaned towards a singular vision, showcasing strength in concentrated effort and result evaluation, where he excelled in refining outcomes to meet high standards. His less pronounced inclination towards flexibility provided a stable, consistent vision throughout the project.
While collaboration was present, Jackson's unique style was characterized more by his steadfast commitment to his initial goals, illustrating that his approach, while less adaptive, was equally remarkable in ensuring the epic scope and coherence of his cinematic endeavor.
How does your own Action Style compare?
Create your own Action Style assessment to find out.
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is an American aviator and retired airline captain, born in 1951. He became internationally recognised for his role in the "Miracle on the Hudson" on January 15, 2009, when he safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after both engines failed due to a bird strike. His calm, skillful piloting saved all 155 passengers and crew, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including the Master's Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.
Sullenberger, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, has over 40 years of flying experience. Post-retirement, he has been a public speaker, safety advocate, and author, focusing on aviation safety improvements and leadership. He's also served on various boards promoting aviation safety and has written books like "Highest Duty," detailing his experiences. His legacy is one of heroism, leadership, and dedication to safety in aviation.
Captain Sully Sullenberger displayed a profound inclination towards setting priorities during the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549. His focus was unwavering on the objective of ensuring the safety of all aboard, showcasing a strong preference for clear, decisive action under pressure. His collaborative spirit shone through as he worked seamlessly with his crew, contributing to an orderly evacuation.
Sullenberger's assertive nature was pivotal when he chose to land the plane on the Hudson River, demonstrating a leadership style that prioritised security and stability. His ability to manage morale was crucial, maintaining calm and preventing panic among passengers. While his approach leaned more towards decisive action than immediate flexibility or in-the-moment evaluation, these traits were instrumental in navigating one of the most remarkable aviation emergencies to a successful conclusion.
How does your own Action Style compare?
Create your own Action Style assessment to find out.
J.K. Rowling is the globally celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, which transformed her from a single mother living on welfare into a literary icon. Before her rise to fame, Rowling faced significant challenges: she battled depression, navigated through a divorce, and struggled with poverty while raising her daughter alone in Edinburgh. It was during this time she conceived the idea for Harry Potter.
Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers, her persistence paid off when "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was published in 1997. The series became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 500 million copies worldwide, spawning a blockbuster film franchise, and earning her numerous literary awards. Beyond her writing, Rowling has been active in philanthropy, particularly through her charity Lumos, which works to end the institutionalisation of children. Her journey from adversity to acclaim highlights resilience, endurance, creativity, and a profound impact on literature and society.
J.K. Rowling's journey to literary success reveals a strong inclination towards setting priorities and pursuing her objectives with unwavering determination. Her preference for collaboration shines through in how she interacts with her readers and the broader literary community, fostering a sense of shared success. She shows a measured approach to being forceful, opting instead for strategic timing and conservation of effort, which reflects her knack for assertiveness when it matters most.
Her security in her narrative decisions underpins her work, maintaining morale through her clear vision and consistent storytelling. Administration and flexibility are areas where she exhibits a balanced approach, ensuring her creative process remains intact while still adapting to some external influences. Finally, her methodical evaluation of results underscores her commitment to excellence in her storytelling, ensuring each book in the Harry Potter series contributes to her legacy.
How does your own Action Style compare?
Create your own Action Style assessment to find out.
In examining the tapestry of success woven by both influencers and non-influencers in our case studies, we see a common thread of fundamental principles at play: prioritising, pursuing goals doggedly, maintaining a certain inflexibility, and evaluating outcomes. Whether it's the moral fortitude of Nelson Mandela or the creative persistence of JK Rowling, these elements are universal.
However, the application of these principles by influencers like Tony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki reveals a nuanced contrast between their teachings and personal practice. While they advocate for unwavering commitment, their own journeys often show a balance with adaptability, suggesting that success is not just about following a set formula but understanding when and how to apply these principles.
This distinction between preaching and practicing success highlights an important lesson:
The application of these success principles is highly situational.
Not all contexts demand the same approach; what works in one scenario might not in another. For instance, the inflexibility beneficial in pursuing a vision like Mandela's might hinder progress in a rapidly changing tech industry. This variability encourages individuals to consider the context of their endeavors when applying these behaviours.
Ultimately, the insights from both "influencers" and "non-influencers" are not just the privilege of the celebrated few but are accessible tools for anyone. Whether you're aiming to change the world or simply improve your daily life, these behaviors can be tailored to fit any scale of ambition.
This realisation is empowering; it suggests that everyone, regardless of their starting point, can harness these principles to navigate their unique path to success.
By adapting these behaviours to fit personal situations, anyone can achieve their goals, proving that success is an art as much as it is a science, dependent on both the painter and the canvas.
Promana's assessments support people in gaining objective insights from their subjective experiences
As well as being more noticeable than personality, behaviours can (and should) change and adapt depending on the situational context.
For example, while personality is unlikely to vary between two different meetings, behaviours can and often should adjust based on the objectives of the meeting and the individuals involved.
That's the Promana advantage.
When we sought to use AI to explore our subjects' Transactions factors, we chose a straightforward approach. We provided Grok, (the advanced AI developed by xAI) with the same survey prompts a human respondent would receive. Grok completed the survey phase just as a human would, offering responses as any individual familiar with the subject person would do.
Why Grok?: Grok stands out for its ability to synthesise vast data sets to draw coherent, insightful conclusions. Its design allows for an outside perspective on humanity which, when applied to understanding someone, brings to light patterns, paradigms and behaviours as though a human had conducted the assessment.
Validity of AI Insights: With its capacity to process and analyse information on a scale beyond human capability, Grok brings to the table a depth of analysis that matches most human insights. This extensive data processing power ensures that the results are informed and nuanced.
Consistency and Human-Likeness: Our standard survey processing revealed that Grok maintained consistency across responses, displaying characteristics akin to human reasoning. This consistency check underscored the AI's ability to engage with the survey in a manner that closely resembles human thought processes, affirming the validity of its responses.
Unlock your own incredible career potential with Promana's comprehensive assessments.
Our insight tools explore key areas that make a difference in the world of work, bringing insights into your unique strengths and work styles.
By understanding your behavioural patterns, you can set clear career goals, enhance your leadership skills, and optimise your performance.
Use these tailored insights to align your career path with your true potential, accelerating your professional growth so you can achieve your aspirations faster.
