“Tiger Woods … nine traits have made him a champion, and they will provide you with a solid foundation for an outstanding business career and a fulfilling life.”

Dr. Nate Booth, Author

Some people see the picture at the top of this column, and the fancy byline at the end of the article and assume that I am the expert on all things golf and business. But the truth is that I am only a conduit of ideas and information that are told to me by the true experts in different golf and business fields (just don’t let the editors of this fine business publication in on this little secret). I am lucky every day to have the opportunity to speak with successful people, and then write about that success and how golf has played a part in it.

Dr. Nate Booth is another in a long line of interesting and successful people who has spent some time with us here at Business Under Par: Success Through Golf. He is the author of several books, and once worked directly with Anthony Robbins. He knows the ins and outs of business inspiration and success, and has spent the second chapter of his life (after many years as a dentist and hating every minute of it) observing and chronicling how to be successful. And with a masters degree in counseling to back up his observations, he knows of what he speaks and writes.

His most recent book, Tiger Traits: 9 Success Secrets you can discover from Tiger Woods to be a business champion, is a very interesting and inspirational read from start to finish. Booth breaks down every aspect of Tiger’s life and game through nine unique traits that he has observed. We won’t go into gory detail about all of them—hey, Booth wants to sell a few books so we can’t give everything away—but we will focus in on a few of them and give you a sprinkle about what makes the world’s greatest golfer tick.

Tiger success trait number one is “Identify and develop natural talents.” When people embrace those five simple words, they are most certainly on the path to individual success.

“We’re all born with a unique set of talents and weaknesses,” Booth says. “Our talents are the activities where we naturally shine, and our weaknesses are the activities where we have challenges. It’s easy to see that Tiger Woods’ talent is playing golf. If the talent hadn’t been identified or developed, you probably never would have known Tiger Woods.”

Many of us plunge through life working and focusing on our weaknesses because common thought tells us to do that. But the fact is, nobody is good at everything, and each of has a unique talent. There is no doubt that it’s difficult to determine your true calling, but the sooner you do, the more successful you will be. And, if you’re a boss, the better you identify the true expertise of your individual team members, the sooner your business will fly through the roof.

In the chapter about identifying and developing natural talents, Booth quotes Henri-Frederic Amiel: “To do easily what is difficult for others is the mark of talent.” Look at yourself and your workers; what do you and they do with little effort but tremendous results? And what do you and they do decently but with tremendous struggle?

Tiger trait number two is “Create a clear and compelling dream.” Or maybe simpler put, “What do you want to do with your life, and how will you get there?” Many of you reading this may be lucky to have known forever exactly what you are doing and where you are going. But many struggle with these questions, but, as Booth writes, the better and clearer the dream, the bigger the results can be.

“Tiger Woods has a very simple and compelling dream,” Booth says. “He wants to be the greatest golfer of all time and to positively affect millions of lives.”

Booth says that Tiger was fortunate to have a mother and father who helped him focus on his strengths, and create his dream. Earl Woods, Booth says, sensed very quickly that Tiger was special, and always talked poetically about Tiger.

“Golf is not Tiger’s primary mission in life,” the elder Woods said in Tiger: the Authorized DVD Collection. “He has a higher calling that will be manifested later in life. I don’t know what it will be. But it will be humanitarian. And it will be about children. And it will be about caring and sharing. He feels it, and I see it. Now, we all have to wait and experience it.”

Tiger has already made a tremendous impact on and off the course. He reportedly earns more than $100 million in prize money and endorsements, and he has created the Tiger Woods Foundation that is positively influencing thousands of kids.

Tiger trait number eight is “Be likeable”. Aside from his supreme athletic talent, Tiger comes across as very likeable in his demeanor and attitude. Booth calls likeability the forgotten success factor.

“Success in business is based more on other people’s decisions concerning you than the decisions you make,” Booth says simply.

He also offers several suggestions on how you can up your likeability quotient: Give compliments regularly. Do little unexpected things for people. Thank people. Smile. Pay attention to your tone of voice. Listen. Show genuine interest in people’s personal lives.

Dr. Booth’s new book isn’t authorized by Tiger Woods, but offers a clear picture of his traits and how he is blossoming into everything his father said he would be. “Hopefully, I captured the essence of Tiger Woods,” says Booth.

Golf world challenge: Tiger Traits is available for purchase at Tigertraits.com.

Bonus Tiger trait: Number nine is “Be grateful. Give back.” Immediately after winning The Masters in 1997, Woods made sure to seek out Lee Elder, the first African-American to play in the event. “Thanks for making this possible,” Woods whispered in Elder’s ear while a large throng of media, officials and fans fell silent.