In this interview with the Hartford Business Journal, Michael Feuer discusses the not-so-secret ways to reach the top. Click here for the interview. See an excerpt below:
There’s no easy, top-secret, and foolproof recipe for succeeding in business. Instead, says OfficeMax co-founder and former CEO Michael Feuer, the components of reaching the top are available to everyone, and they revolve around focus, discipline, and follow-up.
“These three qualities might not sound extraordinary, but they can truly set you apart,” says Feuer, author of the book The Benevolent Dictator: Empower Your Employees, Build Your Business, and Outwit the Competition. “The truth is, there isn’t a simple magic bullet that will propel you straight to the top. Success in any endeavor, especially business, really comes down to specific character traits and habits. If you have those qualities, you’ll excel. And if you don’t, you probably won’t.”
Feuer (pronounced “Foyer”) speaks from experience: He has launched a number of successful business ventures, including OfficeMax and he insists that making sure that you constantly work with focus and discipline, and always, always follow up are crucial ingredients of getting the results you want — whether you’re launching a start-up, leading a team of employees, or going after that big promotion.
“Before you ever craft a sales strategy or walk into a client meeting, whether or not you have a chance of success has already been decided by how you think about your work, what you have to do, and how you do it,” Feuer asserts. “Outcomes are shaped by your focus, discipline, and commitment to follow-up … or lack thereof. It’s important to remember that achievements are often less dependent on your technical know-how and more dependent on how you organize and think.”
Here’s what these three qualities look like in practice, and how Feuer says you can make them work for you:
