Decades ago I ran a Management Development program within a mega insurance company. Individuals went through a rigorous selection process, and I researched common traits of highly successful people. More recently, I coordinated a similar program for a large nonprofit, using stimulus funds after the 2008 crash.
How to best predict success? That is always a key question, especially when an organization plans to invest heavily in the individual's growth. A current NYT article offers fresh research results, ending with the saying that "What is new is not correct, and what is correct is not new."
In the 'Gray Matter' article, "How Not to Explain Success", Union College professors Chabris and Hart tested ideas that Yale professors put forth in popular books. Chabris and Hart came up with 3 success traits: Smarts, educated parents, and impulse control. Emotional Stability was also related to greater success.
My takeaway is that while one cannot control the education level of his/her parents, and cognitive abilities are also largely inherited, striving to be conscientious and working towards long term goals can help us be our best selves. Good habits to look for when investing in talent!
Here is the link to the full article (4/10/16) http://nyti.ms/23iJka8