Success must be measurable to be meaningful
"She's such a success!" What does that mean? Does it mean I like her? I see evidence that she is an accomplished pianist? She is better at creating Excel spreadsheets than many of her peers? She lives in a big house and drives an expensive car?
To be meaningful, success must be measurable! How do I know this? Because at its core success requires you to succeed at something. You have to know both what that something is (e.g., swimming, baking cookies, mergers & acquisitions) and what criteria must be met for you to accomplish your objectives.
Six thoughts on the subject of success - if you're in a hurry, please skip to #5.
#1: We may pursue general criteria for success
Recently we attended a bluegrass festival to watch our son's alternative strings ensemble perform. One of the emcees made the point that to leave your mark on any human endeavor you need to be first, best, or different. Perhaps first, best, or different is success, but unless measurable (and this is often difficult) it is less meaningful.
#2: It is typically more effective to pursue specific criteria for success
In my business I set specific goals each year to motivate and measure my performance. I trust those who know me believe that what motivates me each day is serving my clients and helping them to succeed, but I still benefit from setting up targets to aim at. Reaching financial goals may not translate directly to serving clients well, but there is a significant enough correlation that I see those goals as worth pursuing.
Are we clear in our definitions of success? For example, do the members of your team know what it means for them to succeed individually and collectively? If not, consider how to provide them with this information - it will boost morale and productivity.
#3: Others may not acknowledge your success
You may succeed without others acknowledging that success. In the context of business and employment that is typically a problem you need to address. It is best if those who are paying you see you as successful.
When I have the chance to use classic rock to make a point I rarely pass it up. Dire Straits' song "In the Gallery" is about a sculptor named Harry for whom art was "like the waves coming to the shore, it was in his blood and in his bones." He pursued his craft even though those in the know gave him no public recognition. Sometimes we are called to serve others without being appreciated for our labors. (You can find the song with lyrics by clicking here.)
#4: Success in one area is often accompanied by abject failure in others
Many times those who are most successful in one area of endeavor struggle in others. Read the story of Eric Clapton if you need an illustration of this principle (click here for a somewhat sanitized version of his life). Less dramatic evidence of this can be found all around you, perhaps in your own life.
#5: You want to be fulfilled? Help someone else succeed!
How can you help others to succeed? Recognize that many activities in life involve definable processes. When you know the process it's easy. When you don't, it can be a terrifying mystery. Look for those who are terrified and walk someone down a path you know well.
Since graduate school I've been told that I'm an excellent writer, but no one ever walked me down the publication path. I am finishing up a book and I'm looking to experts to walk me through the publication process. I'm confident that once I've been down that path I won't have difficulty retracing those steps. It's the first time that is most daunting.
#6: Focusing on overcoming weakness is a sure way to avoid success
I just spoke today with someone who has lost sight of why he is part of his organization. He is so focused on correcting what those above him see as his deficiencies that he has no time or energy left to offer what he does best. His time is spent avoiding mistakes.
My advice? Determine the minimal standard for success in those areas where he struggles and develop strategies to achieve at least that measure of success. Then find others who can enhance his efforts in those areas. Finally, return to a focus on what he does best - why he was asked to be there in the first place. He will be reenergized and those to whom he reports will remember why they wanted him on the team.
Where would you like to succeed? Identify the activity. Learn the process. Specify the criteria - the desired outcomes. Then move toward your goal.
At Julian Consulting we help our clients succeed by making "success" measurable and then holding them accountable to the processes needed to achieve their goals! Call TODAY to determine how we can serve you in this process.
