How does one achieve excellence? How does an organization operate at peak performance? The answer to these interrogatories is often simple in theory, but difficult in practice. Often, many individuals and organizations set out on a journey which they hope will culminate in excellence. Unfortunately, they become lost before they arrive at their chosen destination.
Individual success is nothing more than discovering what contributions one is capable of and then fervently pursuing them. Organizational success begins at the same place but its end is a much farther destination. There are three components which must come together in order for an individual or organization to achieve success and sustain it. Asking one’ self three questions and answering them honestly will lay the foundation for sustained success. First, what talents and unique gifts do I have to offer others? In other words, what am I good at? Second, what am I passionate about? Third, what needs exist in the marketplace? It is at the intersection of these three answers that an individual or organization can find its contribution. This nexus can lead an individual or organization beyond success. It can lead them to significance. Any single part, no matter how compelling, is insufficient to drive sustainable success.
Allow me to share an example. Perhaps, I am very good at sales. I am well-spoken, possess a smooth delivery, and have an innate ability to understand the needs, ants and motivations of others. With these qualities, a career in sales would likely be fruitful, profitable, and productive. However, suppose that I am either shy by nature or I simply do not like to work at the same job for very long. Or, perhaps, I choose, as my profession, to sell umbrellas in the middle of the desert. I may possess, in abundance, the talent and skills to be a wildly successful salesman. However, if there is no market (selling umbrellas in a desert) or I do not enjoy sales (shy), then this career choice is unsustainable. Similar examples can be seen with respect to the other questions.
It takes courage to act once an individual has found an opportunity that is located at the nexus of success and significance.
