“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful after all.” — Michaelangelo

It’s been said, the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. Inventor and businessman, Thomas Edison, who frequently worked more than forty hours straight wrote, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

Tiger Woods, on track to become the greatest golfer of all time commented, “I’ve busted my butt on the range for hours on end and made changes to get to this point where I’m able to compete at the highest level in major championships.”

The Bottom Line: Leaders combine their talents with old-fashioned hard work to excel in their profession.