For Great Success Does One Have to Shun Being Polite?

Recently I read research that described the results of a personality quiz taken by some of the greatest businessmen and leaders of our time. I'm talking Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Muhammad Yunus and many others.

Concern For Others?

Of the names I listed above, two are known for building innovative tech companies and the other is known for strictly his philanthropist endeavors.

Muhammad Yunus has won the Nobel Peace Prize along with many other similar accolades. My point is - there were several others like him in this study for as many businessmen there were.

This is why the low concern for others trait that popped up is a bit surprising and a bit misleading.

Low Concern for Others

Nearly all of these impactful and successful people tested low on the section of the quiz that gauges "Concern for Others."

Here's the thing - it obviously wasn't that these great achievers did not care for others. More so it was the simple fact that in order to achieve these great goals they needed to always put them first.

Basically, when given the choice between achieving the goal or pleasing others, the goal would always be the choice.

In a way, it makes sense given all the day to day interactions we have with people and the sacrifices one must make to build something bigger than themselves.

It makes even more sense that due to that you have the view of someone like Jobs who was considered stern and cold at times, since in the end he likely always chose the greater goal over pleasing someone in the current moment.

Balancing Act

It certainly can be a balancing act to strive for greatness while still being polite day in and day out. In the end, is there really enough time to do both? It's a dance on a fine line for sure.

I can tell you one thing. I know I'm too polite for my own good and get caught up in the day to day emotions as opposed to keeping my eye on the larger prize.

Anyway, just something I found interesting I wanted to share.