What do you think is the most valuable contributor to success -- intelligence, hard work, perseverance, or something else? These three traits would be at the top of my list, for sure, along with continuous learning, being innovative, resourcefulness, drive and motivation, positive thinking, and a supportive network. I'm sure you have your own list of traits, and I'd love for you to list a few in the comments; let me learn from you. 

Intelligence is a great trait -- it can help you think with clarity, logic, rationality, and mental resourcefulness. But, alone, I don't think it's enough. Hard work is almost always required in order to achieve success - whether it be on a project or task, or in life. Dedication and energy to something are powerful forces toward making it successful, even if the hard work is mostly mental. And perseverance is necessary because I don't think very often our ideas and challenges just happen for us the very first time we try them -- we make mistakes, we learn, we try different methods and avenues, and through continuing to try and make the effort, we finally get to where we hoped to go. 

You can be the most intelligent, strongest leader, and be leading a fantastic and talented team, and these traits will still be part of the equation. A good leader is willing to roll up his/her sleeves, get in the trench, and put in the effort and work that he wants from the team. A good leader will also need to persevere -- building and growing a strong, successful team doesn't happen by chance or without challenges and change. Perseverance will be a trait that is the expression by a leader that he/she believes in the long-term goal, the potential of the team, and the plan, and is willing to continue executing the strategy to reach the end. 

Team management, project management, and a long list of to-do's, all require these 3 traits as well. Intelligence to devise the right strategy, hard work to get the work done and teach others how to contribute, and perseverance to stick with something through the good and bad, until you've achieved what you started out to achieve. I can manage the best Training and Development team possible, and that doesn't mean I can rest and relax and enjoy the ride... it means the BEST are counting on me to lead them into better things, into more growth, and toward deeper success. It up's the expectations and raises the standard, on a continuous and ongoing basis. 

Intelligence. Hard work. Perseverance. What leads YOU to success?