A Leadership New Years Resolution. The Definition of Success

CEO's and exec teams are now back from their restful (or restless) vacations and planning all the mechanics of a successful year.  In those plans are the typical objectives for Revenue, Profit, Brand and Value.  These are the things that define corporate success.   

Or do they?  Is that really what “success” means?

When we evaluate a leader's career success, we look at their ideas, growth experience; exits, and details of how big and how much.  Is that what makes them great?   More and more, especially considering challenging economic times, leaders fall woefully short of the real meaning of greatness.

Consider the question:   Do you know of a leader, successful by popular definition who sold a product to consumer or business clients that knowingly underperformed?  Do you know a leader who fostered a work environment with little or no consideration to workplace satisfaction and professional growth?  Do you know one who dramatically cut their way to profitability after poor planning, who did little to save those employees?  And hopefully the rarest example, leaders who grew and profited yet mislead investors or boards, consumers and/or their own staff?

Our industry's definition of "success" and "leadership" could use its own New Year's Resolution.

Here's what a few leadership experts tell us: 

The textbook author John Gardner states "…the most important thing a leader could do for the people is give them their future”.

John Quincy Adams: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader". 

And just so we don’t get stuck on the Old Guys, Bill Gates famously stated "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others".

It’s fair to ask why, and I wish I had the answer.  I’d love to hear from others with ideas as to why we evaluate leaders by their numeric achievements, but not in the manner they serve their teams.  

Friends and I occasionally marvel at the unique exec who’s revered by their staff. We marvel at rare man or woman who creates a work environment that is as trustworthy, positive and enriching as it is productive.  More often than not, it’s the exec that generates wealth for their investors and themselves, but is known as some form of a brilliant scoundrel.

My own, leadership New Year’s resolution? To continue to respect the true meaning of leadership. To always consider that my staff and their families are directly affected by my actions.  To enable teams and grow individuals.  To promote corporate ethics and stewardship of both the customer and the team.  To recognize that I do, and will always have much to learn about being the best leader I can.

Since we’re being liberal with quotes, the late, great Steve Jobs once said “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”.   I deeply disagree.  Innovation only defines an Innovator.

Leadership defines a Leader.