The Balancing Act of Success – Part 2
Last week my post titled The Balancing Act of Success discussed balancing the needs of the company achieving its purpose with the need of the individual to learn, grow and add value.
The Balancing Act of Success
It’s that time of year again: annual reviews, when all leaders document the successes of the past year.
Many times leaders feel like the circus performer balancing plates; there are so many demands, which ones do I focus on?
Leaders are required to deliver shareholder returns, customer satisfaction and employee engagement; all which are integral to the successful company.
How did you do last year balancing the success of those that invest in your company – Shareholders and Customers – with those that are your company – Employees?
The Cycle of Leadership: Give to Receive
There is a cycle to energy. It can’t be created or destroyed; it simply changes forms. According to The Law of Conservation of Energy, potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy, which can be converted to thermal energy, but the original energy remains.
There is a cycle to water. The limited amount of water continuously cycles through its various forms: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
There is also a cycle to Successful leadership: Give that which you have received and open the pathway to receive even more.
It’s now part of everyday knowledge that Steve Jobs received the idea for the computer mouse at a visit to Xerox labs. He gave that idea to the world through the Apple Macintosh, and the mouse became part of every computer. The mouse lasted until the cycle of inspiration came around and the world received the touch screen in the iPhone and iPad.
The successful leader will teach, speak and write about the leadership lessons they know and receive so that they can be part of the cycle of leadership.
Look for ways to pass on knowledge as fast you can and as fast as your audience can receive. Trust me, you will receive more than you can imagine in return.
Leadership Vision Set Into Motion
Whether you are starting a new team, or just became the leader of an existing one, things will be different for this particular set of people on this particular team. They might all buy into the goals you set, but your vision for how to achieve those goals will be unique and new.
For your vision to be effective you have to set it into motion.
The best way to set your vision into motion is through success. And the best type of success is that which consistently delivers many small successes for each team member.
Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic said:
“Vision is not enough. It must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.”
I call this “stepping up the stairs” quick wins. For quick wins to be effective they must both support your vision, and have an immediate impact on your team. Your team needs to see progress toward the goals, and feel their job satisfaction improving. Pick five to eight things that you can personally drive to success and make them happen. This will set your vision into motion.
