By Doug Strickel
Every one of us can relate to the desire to experience success and/or to be viewed as successful. To probe deeper though, we need to clarify what we mean by success. Generally, we are talking about the achievement of a desired outcome, goal, or accomplishment. Most of us know success when we see it.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a desire to experience success or to be successful in our given pursuits. Most of us are wired that way whether we are willing to put forth the necessary effort or not. We desire success for ourselves, our organization, and our team.
The problem is not in the pursuit of success, but rather considering that outcome or achievement as the destination. Success, whether individually or collectively within an organization or team, is inward focused. Success focuses on me or us.
Significance, however, focuses on others. Success is based on an outcome that will fade in time where significance is based on an impact that will be longer term in nature. Success is derived from achievement while significance is aimed at impact. Success is something to celebrate while significance is something to elevate.
It’s not that we must choose between success and significance. Success will frequently open the door for significance. The two should work hand in hand. We experience success, either individually or collectively, and use that platform to invest in others, impact others, and elevate others.
Business leaders must deliver results to stay employed and have an impact. Coaches must win games to stay in the game and have impact. Success matters and is not the problem. The problem is too many don’t take the next step to significance!
There are a couple of verses in Philippians chapter two that direct us to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility to count others as more significant than ourselves and to look to others interests in addition to our own (interests). In other words, we use our talents, gifts, and opportunities to their fullest, but the goal is not self-reward, but rather the impact we can have on others.
So, what does significance look like for the business organization?
- Improving employee experience so that people know they are cared about, valued beyond completing a task, and viewed as a team member
- Pursuing a purpose beyond financial success such as community impact, a just cause, or support for a worthy endeavor
- Developing leaders and people to have positive impact both within and outside the organization
What does significance look like for a team?
- Impacting the community and campus in a positive way by bringing people together and uniting diverse groups
- Elevating team members to grow and develop into impactful men and women
- Raising the standards for the institution, community, and support groups to reach their respective potential and advance because of the example set
What does significance look like for an individual?
- Improving the lives of individuals connected with in any number of ways
- Leaving a legacy of impact well beyond one’s lifetime
- Impacting the beliefs, convictions, and actions of those invested in for the better
Be successful. Narrow your focus, highlight your strengths as a competitive advantage, and reach your potential in whatever you are pursuing. However, don’t stop there. Leave some margin in your life and/or the life of your organization for significance beyond that pursuit of success.
A great starting point is just to start investing in those in front of you. Start where your feet are planted today and build out from there.
Pursue success, and you may find momentary fulfillment and reward.
Pursue significance, and you look back on a life well lived.
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