Experts say these 5 skills are the best predictors of success

I’ve always been fascinated by what sets truly successful people apart. Is it brilliance? Is it drive? Or maybe it’s luck? 

Over the years, I’ve met countless entrepreneurs and professionals who all seemed to have that “it” factor. 

But as I dug deeper and connected the dots, I realized their achievements often came down to a specific set of skills rather than some magical X-factor or stroke of luck.

In other words, success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s shaped by intentional actions, attitudes, and habits that anyone can cultivate. 

Here at Small Biz Technology, we’ve seen this pattern emerge time and time again among those who accomplish big things—both in business and in life. 

And while success can mean different things to different people, there are five key skills that countless experts agree set the stage for it.

1. Emotional intelligence is a game-changer

We live in a hyper-connected world, and emotional intelligence (EI) has never been more relevant. 

Simply put, EI is our ability to recognize, understand, and manage not only our own emotions but also those of the people around us. 

When we can stay calm in heated conversations, empathize with colleagues or customers, and motivate ourselves to push forward, we set the groundwork for genuine success.

Personally, I used to think success was all about grinding harder and being the smartest person in the room. But the older I get, the more I realize how crucial soft skills are. 

In fact, research shows that emotional intelligence is a better predictor of success than IQ. 

How so? Well, it’s because when you understand how emotions drive behavior, you can respond constructively. 

The best part? This skill can be learned and honed, whether you’re leading a startup team or negotiating a major deal.

2. Adaptability in a fast-changing world

If there’s one thing the pandemic years taught me, it’s that life can spin on a dime. 

Businesses pivot, economic climates change overnight, and entire industries can disappear in the blink of an eye. 

That’s why adaptability is so frequently hailed by experts as one of the strongest predictors of success. 

It’s the capacity to pivot quickly and keep pushing forward regardless of the chaos around you.

I’ve mentioned before that I come from a corporate background, and in those days, I noticed that the people who climbed the ladder the fastest weren’t just the hardest workers—they were the ones who could handle constant change without breaking a sweat. 

As Warren Buffett famously said, “Predicting rain doesn’t count. Building arks does.” 

It’s not about seeing problems coming; it’s about having the mindset and the skill set to adjust your approach the second things get tough. 

Whether you’re starting a new venture or leveling up in your career, the ability to adapt is a priceless advantage.

3. Communication skills that cut through the noise

They say knowledge is power, but the truth is knowledge doesn’t mean much unless you can communicate it well. 

At its core, communication is about connection—making ideas crystal clear so that people actually get them. 

This skill extends well beyond speaking; it involves writing, listening, and even nonverbal cues like body language or facial expressions.

According to Harvard Business Review, improving communication skills can significantly boost your leadership effectiveness and overall professional impact. That’s exactly why so many top business schools focus on it.

For me, communication has been a cornerstone of everything I do. I’ve built entire ventures around the power of words, whether online or in person. 

I remember a time in my early days as an entrepreneur when I pitched an idea to a group of potential partners. I had all the facts, a thorough plan, and solid market data—yet I still bombed the presentation. 

Why? Because I didn’t take a moment to see things from their perspective. I spoke at them, not with them. 

After that experience, I realized that effective communication is about paying attention to your audience, anticipating their questions, and addressing any concerns before they even ask. 

4. Critical thinking that powers real solutions

It’s amazing how often we tend to go with the crowd or make decisions based on gut feelings without first analyzing the situation. 

Critical thinking means stepping back, asking the right questions, seeking out data, and making decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork or rumor. 

In my experience, the most successful leaders and entrepreneurs make a habit of thinking things through carefully before taking a leap.

You might have heard Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, who’s big on the principle of “radical open-mindedness.” 

As he’s noted, “To be radically open-minded, you need to be so open to the possibility that you could be wrong that you encourage others to tell you so.” 

Critical thinking is exactly that—it’s the willingness to dissect information, embrace contrary viewpoints, and test assumptions. 

Some of the best decisions I’ve ever made came after I laid out every pro and con and then asked someone I trust to poke holes in my reasoning. 

Yes, it stings a bit to see your brilliant plan challenged, but that’s when you find the flaws before they become real-world problems.

5. Resilience to bounce back from setbacks

Have you ever noticed how some folks seem to get knocked down over and over but always come back stronger? 

That’s resilience, and it might just be the ultimate secret weapon. 

In the entrepreneurial world, for example, failure is common—whether it’s a product that flops or a partnership that dissolves. 

But time and again, I’ve seen how resilience transforms these painful experiences into valuable lessons.

In my early days of starting ventures, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride. 

One month, I’d be celebrating a new funding round; the next month, I’d lose a key client and wonder if everything was about to collapse. 

Holding onto resilience helped me weather those storms, dust myself off, and figure out what I could do differently next time. 

Researchers from the American Psychological Association emphasize that resilience isn’t about ignoring pain or disappointment; it’s about navigating adversity and coming out on the other side with new insights. 

Much of success is essentially showing up, time and again, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.

Final words

When we talk about success, we often imagine massive achievements and lofty accolades. 

But I’ve learned that it’s really about consistent effort, guided by a handful of crucial skills. 

Cultivating emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, critical thinking, and resilience can truly set the stage for extraordinary results.

The best part is that none of these are fixed traits—they can all be developed with practice and patience. 

My suggestion? Start with one of these skills and make a small commitment to improve it this month. 

Maybe you pick emotional intelligence and start by actively listening to loved ones or coworkers. 

Maybe you tackle communication and do a quick self-review the next time you deliver a presentation or send out an important email. 

Whatever it is, don’t underestimate the power of consistent, focused effort. Over time, these small improvements add up to major transformations.

So take these five skills to heart, tailor them to your unique journey, and watch how they reshape your life and career. You just might surprise yourself.