They're "Successful?" What Makes You Say That?

What is success?

It depends on who you ask…

We hear the word “successful” being thrown around a lot.

“She has a successful career in finance.”
“He’s enjoyed a long, successful career path in law.”
“They are successful business owners.”

The problem? No one is asking clarifying questions.

No one’s asking: What made her finance career successful? Why do you consider his path in law successful? Under what definition would you say those business owners achieved success?

Because the truth is - success means different things to different people. And if we asked questions like this more, we could get a glimpse into what success for THAT person is.

Instead, we’ve come to accept this “general” idea of success as achieving a certain title or making a lot of money - and just assume that’s what the successful person achieved.

If you’re responsible for leading a team of ten people — assuming every one of them have a goal to achieve the “success” of climbing the corporate ladder, making a lot of money and becoming the next manager, director, VP or beyond — you’re missing something.

You’re missing the person who would rather be the best sales person in the company than become a manager. You’re missing the person who believes success is finding harmony between work and family life. You’re missing the person who believes success is staying with one company their entire career.

You’re missing the person who you haven’t asked, “Well what does success mean to you?”

We know it means something different to everyone.

A good leader will find out what it means for each person they lead… so they can help them get there. Don't miss your chance to find out what it is for those on YOUR team.

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