Movers and Shakers vs. Losers and Fakers

In all areas of life there are people who break barriers and exceed known limits of success. But on the contrary, there are those who never launch no matter the abundant funds or education. Most are mediocre, substandard, or just disastrous.

I have been in the business arena for more than 30 years. I have experienced great triumphs and tremendous non-successes. My hands-on education has given me an excellent perspective on both the excellent and calamitous.

Movers and Shakers

The term is self-defining. These people move everything to new levels of success — quantum leaping the known heights. They shake the very industry they are in with innovation, new methodologies, and profitability.

I cite former Chairman & CEO of Continental Airlines, Gordon Bethune, who orchestrated the most dramatic turnaround in business history — close to a billion dollars in just 18 months. Leading the company From Worst to First, Bethune navigated Continental to greater efficiency, best on-time flights, lowest customer complaints, and highest profitability. Even to this day his accomplishment is legendary, and the 40,000 employees still speak highly of him.

In my book I define leaders and top companies as always challenging the status quo. They constantly measure, tweak, improve, and excel, lifting others with them. They give their people every possible tool to succeed.

Losers and Fakers

No matter how hard they try to show themselves as leading-edge innovators, there is always a tell — an inconsistency or big red flag indicating substantial deficiencies. Here are a few things to look for:

• Poor or absent communication with you or others

• Conflicting messaging internally or externally

• No clear vision they can cite in a few words or sentences

• People who don't do what they say

• Lack of timeliness and professionalism

Remember: you are also evaluating them, not just them evaluating you. Document along the way and review your notes before deciding.

A real-life example: an associate was courted by a local company for months with no offer ever put on the table. Meanwhile, an out-of-state company contacted them, interviewed, and presented a generous offer within two weeks. The local company still hasn't made an offer. The difference between Movers and Shakers and Losers and Fakers is always in the actions — not the words.