I have always been intrigued by what sets top performers and leaders aside from those who don’t make it to the top. More recently, I’ve become especially interested in what enables them to stay at the top when they get there. Sustainability and longevity as a leader, in particular, has never been in more jeopardy.

Recent headlines demonstrate just how demanding being at the top is. The most senior leaders at organizations such as Barnes and Noble , Pfizer and Lloyds have stepped down due to reported fatigue, exhaustion and stress.

However, there are many examples of people who have reached the top and stayed there for a long time. Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan and Jeff Immelt at GE immediately come to mind as leaders who have come through thick and thin and demonstrated sustainability and longevity.

So what can be learned from those top leaders, athletes and performers in any domain who are able to deliver success time and time again, rather than succumbing to the demands of being highly visible and accountable?

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