While a company’s success is often found in the unique way they are able to identify and meet their customers’ needs, a close analysis of multiple flourishing businesses reveal important, easy-to-follow, trends and qualities that are vitally important in building a business. These 11 common traits, pointed out by Dave Kerpen in Likeable Business, are common characteristics found among thriving business leaders, yet, are often over looked by many companies. Thankfully, their simplicity means that taking action in these areas is possible for anyone desiring to create a positive atmosphere enjoyable for everyone!

1. Listening
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway

2. Storytelling
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” -Robert McAfee Brown

3. Authenticity
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.” -Lance Secretan

4. Transparency
“As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.” -John Whittier

5. Team Playing
“Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds.” -SEAL Team Saying

6. Responsiveness
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” -Charles Swindoll

7. Adaptability
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” -Ben Franklin

8. Passion
“The only way to do great work is to love the work you do.” -Steve Jobs

9. Surprise and Delight
“A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless.” -Charles de Gaulle

10. Simplicity
“Less isn’t more; just enough is more.” -Milton Glaser

11. Gratefulness
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” -Gilbert K Chesterton

Source:Dave Kerpen