Negative-critical thinkers

Q: Are successful people blunt by nature? In recent weeks, retired NFL star John Riggins has been scathingly critical of his former team, the Washington Redskins. Is his take-no-prisoners rhetoric typical for achievers? Do the tactful accomplish more?

The most successful people we uncovered in our research -- interviews over 10 years with more than 5,000 top performers -- were mostly negative/critical thinkers, which stands to reason: If you see a glass as half-empty, you are much more likely to fill it up than if you see it as half-full.

These top performers can be blunt by nature but know they must be tactful under certain conditions. A professional football player does not need the influence capabilities of a CEO to succeed. He needs innate ability, desire and a 20-inch neck!

Also, many former pro football players are on pain medication that, when used long-term, makes them cranky and liable to say things to the press that they wish they could take back.

By Garrison Wynn  |  November 16, 2009; 1:12 PM ET  | Category:  tactless or truth-tellers Save & Share:                 
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