The Six Essential Characteristics of Successful PeopleAs the psychologist for the hit reality shows “The Apprentice” and “Survivor,” Dr. Liza Siegel has seen firsthand the factors that can make or break a contestant when the pressure is on. What she has found, repeatedly, while screening, testing and interviewing each of the programs’ applicants (and serving as the personal escort to “Apprentice” contestants when they are "fired" from the show) is that certain core beliefs and attitudes are shared by those who succeed, both on reality shows and in reality. And, says Dr. Siegel, anyone can learn how to develop these traits. In her new book Suite Success: The Psychologist from "The Apprentice Reveals" What It really Takes to Excel—in the Boardroom and in Life (AMACOM, 2006), Dr. Siegel offers advice on how to develop the positive mind-set that leads to self-confidence, improved work relationships and other characteristics that breed success.In Suite Success, Dr. Siegel lists the six essential psychological characteristics of successful people:Optimism. An optimist expects positive outcomes. He doesn’t take failure personally but keeps on trying until he succeeds. Andy Litinsky was a contestant on season two of “The Apprentice” who seemed to be made of Teflon when it came to negative criticisms. When the show aired, Andy was 22 years old and about to graduate from Harvard. A national debate champion, he couldn’t wait to get into the boardroom and showcase his skills. Each time his team lost, he was singled out as being too young, too inexperienced, too uncertain. But Andy rose to the verbal sparring and had fun defending himself. He stayed in the game longer than expected because of his conviction that he deserved to be there.Creativity. The challenging tasks on “The Apprentice” all require “out of the box” thinking. On season three, Tana Goertz was the last person remaining from the “street smarts” team in the final boardroom. Although she wasn’t “hired,” Donald...