By Pat Perry

Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to meet many successful business people.

Regardless of the type of success they have achieved, there seems to be characteristics they all have in common. And, it does not matter whether you are a recent graduate or a 40-year business veteran, successful people can provide you life lessons about personal achievement, work/life balance and happiness.

They also show us how to manage and lead organizations that do the right thing, make an economic impact and contribute back to the community. So here are several attributes that appear to be common denominators among these high achieving individuals:

* Define success They define success and use it as a critical guiding principle upon which they base decisions and take actions that affect their career path, personal wealth and family. Interestingly enough, the more successful people I meet the more I realize that most, if not all, have placed family first over career and money.

* Never grow up I have found successful business people to be incredibly creative, innovative and risk takers. These are great attributes that tend to be showcased more by kids than adults. In today's fear-based business environment, it is refreshing to run across people that are still "kid at heart" and find that each day is a new journey to explore, create and try something new. Successful business people recognize that traditional corporate procedures, reward systems and promotions are often based upon employees following the rules, playing company politics and being risk adverse. Rather than follow most of corporate America, these successful leaders have company cultures where magic is allowed to happen because they are not afraid of letting their employees be kids again.

* Communication masters Successful business people are very good at written and oral communication. These skill sets are essential in getting along with others, selling ideas, resolving conflict and contributing to organizational success. They may not be that great at texting, but their interpersonal skill sets are extraordinary. And, most importantly, they know how to listen.

* Last place Probably the most admirable attribute of successful business people is that they always put everyone else first and place themselves last. Their selfless approach with others inside and outside of their businesses goes against conventional "What's' in it for me?" thinking.

* Keep learning They read all they can, including general literature and career related information. Successful people ask plenty of questions and are not afraid to continually challenge themselves and others with new ideas, skill sets and technology.

* It's Called Work Successful people lead by example when it comes to work ethic. They are driven to give 100 percent at home and at their company. For them, it's about effort and energy and knowing that they gave it their all. And, they recognize it's not about the hours put into the job but what gets accomplished in the hours they work.

Read more from the original source:
Pat Perry: Success 101: Learning from those who have found their way