Intangibles vital, get you to the top

They show you 'get it, ' sports agent says. Respectful confidence, authentic energy among qualities to embrace.

Intangibles are crucial to succeed in any business. But what are they?

Here are some of my definitions:
Intangibles aren't what you say, but rather they are how you say it.
They aren't what you do, but rather they are how you do it.
Intangibles help demonstrate your honesty, your communication skills and your ability to work as part of a team.

At the most basic level, intangibles illustrate that you "get it." They bring life to your style. They make you 3-D instead of one-dimensional.
Tom Izzo --- the head basketball coach at Michigan State University and winner of a national championship, is a friend and client. "Championships, " he said, "aren't won because of intangibles, but they are lost without them."

Izzo got his job because of his stats and resume, but he won a national title because of his intangibles.

Tangibles get you the job; intangibles can get you to the top. Here are some intangibles to consider on your climb up the career ladder:
Strategic vision: Basically, this means seeing what others don't. Leaders provide it; followers follow it. Athletes do this by implementing good course or court management --- preparing for the next shot or setting up the play. From a business perspective, strategy and vision are part of anticipating trends, identifying niches and capitalizing on your competition's weaknesses.

Selective vulnerability: You must be secure to embrace this skill; smart enough to know your strengths and weaknesses and confident enough to express it appropriately for your advantage. Embrace insight and advice from a select group. Create opportunities by asking questions; most effective leaders gather lots of advice but implement it as they see necessary.

Respectful confidence: I call this the fine line between cocky and insecure. It's where grace meets spunk. Envision a line with "cocky" on the left side and "insecure" on the right. Most people, I believe, like to work with and hire people left of the center, but certainly not too cocky. Think about the style of John Smoltz: Many would agree with me that the former Atlanta Braves pitcher embodies respectful confidence. Find the place on the line that feels real to you as you embrace life's opportunities and challenges.

Authentic energy: This creates momentum for you and those around you. Everyone wants to be around positive and sincere people. It's contagious and it's magnetic. It's fairly simple, if you exude positive energy you are more likely to find or advance your career.

Make these intangibles part of your DNA. If you are looking for a job, stick them in your resume. But, more important, bring them to life in your meetings.