You’ve probably heard a million things you need to do to be a good business leader, but it just may be more about what you don’t do that really makes the difference. The Inc.com article “7 Things Confident Leaders Don’t Do” describes how successful leaders are able to maintain focus and stay within themselves. Here’s what they don’t do:

1. What everyone else is doing. The most successful people separate themselves from the crowd by challenging the status quo. They have a natural tendency to question conventional knowledge and make decisions based on the information in front of them, not what everyone else is doing.
2. Worry about weaknesses. While everyone has their moments, most great leaders are confident and comfortable with whom they are. They focus on what they are, not what they’re not, and it usually shows in their decision-making.
3. Waste a lot of time. It’s not about being particularly good with time management – it’s about focus. They don’t waste time because they have a vision. “They don’t wish for things to be different. They make things different,” Inc. contributor Steve Tobak writes.
4. Try to be successful. Instead of trying to be successful, they’re just trying to accomplish something. Then another. Then another. It’s one thing at a time, and success is just a by-product.
5. Breathe their own fumes. While it’s important to have your own vision, it’s also necessary to not be blinded by it. Good business leaders are able to avoid getting so wrapped up in their mission that they stop asking questions and stick with flawed ideas. A big part of this is surrounding yourself with people that will tell you the truth and continuing to listen to them.
6. Fear competition. They understand competition, are comfortable with it, and are confident in their ability to prevail.
7. Try to be what they’re not. “Not a single successful executive, VC, entrepreneur, or business owner that I’ve ever known has ever gotten to where he is by being something he’s not,” Tobak writes. “Just be you.”

Click here to read the article from Inc.com.