10 Things That Require Zero Talent — The Simple Habits That Set You Apart

We often overestimate talent and underestimate the power of attitude.

1. Being On Time

In an Australia On Time Report, more than 400,000 shifts were analyzed — and 40% of people were late.

Being late might feel harmless, but it signals a lack of respect for others’ time.
Being early signals reliability and self-discipline.

Practical tip: prepare the night before — clothes, notes, breakfast, travel time.
Respect others’ calendars the way you’d want them to respect yours.

2. Making an EffortEffort beats talent every time.

Psychologist Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, says it best:

“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than unmet potential.”

Define your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), then bring consistent effort every day.
Success is not a leap — it’s a grind.

Watch: Why Effort Matters More Than Talent   

3.Bringing High Energy

Energy is contagious.

A single person with high energy can shift a whole team’s mood.
Encourage short breaks, celebrate progress, and infuse your workplace with positivity and laughter.

If you want a high-performing team, lead the energy you want to see.

4.Having a Positive Attitude

Skills attract opportunity — attitude sustains it.

A positive mindset boosts creativity, productivity, and problem-solving.
As Verne Harnish writes in Scaling Up:“Happy, engaged stakeholders — employees, customers, shareholders — are the foundation of growth.”

Measure engagement often.
Your culture is your ultimate competitive advantage.

5.Being Passionate

Passion is fuel.
It drives persistence when results lag.

Ask yourself:

• What gets me up in the morning?
• What gives me satisfaction?
• What problems do I love solving?

When hiring, ask your candidates the same questions — it reveals how deeply they’ll connect with your mission.

“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” — Benjamin Franklin

6. Using Good Body Language

Communication isn’t just what you say — it’s what you show.

Research shows that 65% of communication is non-verbal.
A simple smile, open palms, leaning in, and eye contact convey trust and engagement.

Positive body language doesn’t just make you more likable — it builds influence.

7. Being Coachable

Feedback is a gift — most people just don’t know how to open it.

Being coachable means letting go of ego and staying curious.
It means asking for feedback before it’s offered and acting on it when it comes.

Humility is the bridge between potential and performance.

8. Doing a Little Extra

Success doesn’t come from doing what’s required — it comes from doing what’s unexpected.

That extra 10% — the follow-up call, the thoughtful note, the creative idea — creates exponential returns over time.

When you go above and beyond, opportunities follow.

9. Being Prepared

Preparation turns chaos into confidence.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

Before a meeting, review your agenda and key questions.
Write things down.
Do the hard work before the spotlight hits — it always shows.

10. Having a Strong Work Ethic

Work ethic isn’t about hours — it’s about consistency and pride.

Be reliable.
Deliver on promises.
Stay disciplined even when motivation fades.

Managers notice it. Teams respect it. Customers trust it.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want help embedding these principles into your leadership team’s daily rhythm?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops