Welcome to Linked And Lift, your weekly guide to thriving in your career and designing a life you love for entrepreneurs and ambitious professionals. Each week, you get research-backed insights and we break down the skills, strategies, and mindsets you need to stay ahead of the curve.
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Title: The Hidden Skills That Separate Leaders Who Last
If you’ve ever wondered what makes someone not just impressive,
but indispensable, this one’s for you.
What’s Inside This Edition:
Here’s what we’re diving into this week:
The real reason some professionals rise while others stall
12 timeless character traits that outlast raw talent
An action plan to build trust, credibility, and long-term influence
I’ve always been fascinated by the moment when potential meets reality.
When someone finally gets the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.
We all know the thrill of a new opportunity.
The interview that went well.
The door that finally opened.
The moment your talent was seen and rewarded.
But after working with hundreds of professionals across industries - leaders, creatives, founders, rising stars - I’ve observed something powerful:
What determines whether you stay in the room,
and thrive isn’t the talent that got you there.
The people who stay in the rooms are the ones:
who show up when it’s hard.
who follow through when no one’s watching.
who bring energy, not ego.
Let’s unpack 12 timeless traits that cost zero talent, but create 100% impact.
The 12 Character Habits That Build Unshakable Credibility
1. Getting Things Done
Execution is magnetic. It builds trust, reputation, and momentum.
Done is better than perfect, and the people who finish earn the spotlight.
2. Integrity
Doing what’s right when it’s inconvenient, unpopular, or invisible.
Trust starts here, and without it, nothing else sticks.
3. Keeping Your Word
Every commitment kept is a silent reminder: You can count on me.
Consistency here compounds faster than any marketing effort.
4. Showing Up On Time
Respect, translated into action.
It says: Your time matters. I’m here. Let’s go.
5. Bringing Solutions, Not Just Problems
Being solution-oriented signals initiative, ownership, and leadership potential.
You’re not waiting for the answer. You’re part of finding it.
6. Bringing Good Energy
People feel your energy before they hear your words.
Even on off days, you can choose to be constructive
rather than contagious with negativity.
7. Being Coachable
Adaptability and humility are rocket fuel for growth.
Feedback isn’t personal. It’s directional.
8. Cheering for Others
Real confidence celebrates others.
Abundance mindset attracts opportunities; jealousy repels them.
9. Making Others Feel Heard
Listening is a power move.
It builds trust, encourages honesty, and creates psychological safety.
10. Asking “How Can I Help?”
Service-oriented people rise because they lift others first.
11. Finishing What You Start
Follow-through is rare. Which is why it’s revered.
If you want to stand out, become someone who finishes.
12. Staying Humble
Talent may impress.
But humility? That builds loyalty, legacy, and leadership.
Action Plan: Build Your Character Equity
Character isn’t built in a day. It’s built in your habits.
Here’s how to start investing in it:
Pick your blind spot
Which of the 12 traits is your growth edge right now?
Choose one. That’s your starting point.Track daily consistency
Keep a one-line journal.
Did you show integrity today?
Did you finish what you started?
This creates awareness, and accountability.Get real feedback
Ask someone you trust: “What’s one thing I do that builds trust,
and one thing that erodes it?”
Listen. No defensiveness.Stack your strengths
Pair your strongest trait with your weakest.
If you’re reliable but not vocal,
practice showing your value while staying true to your character.
Linked And Lift Picks
Book: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday – A deep dive into how humility builds lasting success.
Podcast: The Look & Sound of Leadership – Episode on “The Trust Equation” for professionals.
Quote: “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” – John Wooden
Closing Thought
Character is quiet.
It doesn’t ask for applause.
It doesn’t trend.
But over time, it earns you something far more valuable than attention:
Trust. Respect. Longevity.
If you’re building something that matters, don’t just lead with talent.
Lead with character.
Because the world is full of talent.
But it’s character that makes people unforgettable.
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And thank you for being a part of our Linked And Lift community!
Until next time,
Veronique Barrot
Founder, Linked And Lift
Coaching leaders to grow inside out.
Follow me on LinkedIn where I share self-leadership and growth insights 6 days a week.