LEADERSHIP: The Cal Ripken Way! Element #2: A Strong Will to Succeed

In Get in the Game, Cal Ripken JrCal Ripken Jr. outlines eight elements of perseverance that can help leaders become stronger, in business and in life. The second of these deals with having...

2. A Strong Will to Succeed

When Ripken had the choice of becoming an infielder or a pitcher, he took the less glamorous infielder position. His reason? "Pitchers only get to play one out of five days. I want to play every day."

That says a lot about the work ethic of a player who once had an entire season of games where he only made three errors all year!

How do you perform to that level? A strong will to succeed! It also involves a willingness to continually learn from those around you who are willing to share information. In Ripken's own words, "It's a process. First come the words. Then you start to understand. You take some of the suggestions and try them out. Some of them work for you. Some don't. But always, you ask yourself, 'How do I apply it?'"

That devotion will telegraph itself to your organization, your teammates, your job, and your profession. Soon, you'll be one of the mentors others look to, and it's all because you have...

A Strong Will to Succeed!

(Watch for part three: LOVE WHAT YOU DO, coming soon...)