For generations, people have been studying successful businesses to understand specifically what sets them apart from the competition. The 1982 classic book, “In Search of Excellence,” makes the case that exceptional businesses share a common set of characteristics, including proactive decision-making, an innovative spirit, and a hands-on, value-driven management philosophy. As I’ve read and analyzed these books through the years, it’s really gotten me thinking about whether exceptionally successful entrepreneurs also share a set of common characteristics.
