Many successful people come from poverty - despite the image of the wealthy..

Aug. 9, 2011 (Washington, D.C.) -- When it comes to job success, men still have the edge over women.

Researchers surveyed 106 men and women who made at least $100,000 a year, about half of whom were millionaires or multimillionaires. They found the two sexes are remarkably similar in terms of personality traits, childhood experiences, and work and leadership styles.

Still, Miller-Burke says that she was more struck by the similarities between high-achieving men and women than their differences. "Overwhelming, and this is one of the most striking similarities, was a transformational leadership" she tells WebMD. Translation: They had a vision, motivated people to achieve that vision, and rewarded people for taking steps to achieve that vision.

Most, but women substantially more than men, were not born with a silver spoon in their mouths. About 32% of the women and 17% of the men said they came from low-income homes and 52% and 42%, respectively, from middle-class households. "While there's an image of wealthy, successful people coming from wealth, in truth many come from poverty," Miller-Burke says.

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