3 Keys to Success in Any Organization

In a business meeting a few weeks ago, an executive interjected, “You know what it takes to be successful here? We waited a few seconds in silence for the executive to continue…“Courage, Perseverance, and Optimism!”

Since then, I thought more about those three qualities. While they may not be the only keys to success, these three certainly apply to success in any organization.

Courage— In most organizations, it takes courage to tackle tough issues, take unpopular stances, and face others when conflicts arise. Success requires taking risks and accomplishing what others may be afraid or reluctant to do. It takes a willingness to push beyond one’s comfort zone and venture into an uncertain or unknown future. Successful executives learn to take educated risks and, more importantly, learn from their mistakes to muster the courage to move forward.

Perseverance—We all experience setbacks in our lives, and these setbacks are often outside of our control. The ability and determination to keep going—despite the disappointment and unanticipated obstacles—can propel executives and their organizations to higher levels of performance. Those that give up when a mishap occurs, and fail to learn from their mistakes, rarely achieve their dreams. Successful people are often characterized as ‘driven’ and keep their eye on a long-term goal.

Optimism—It’s not easy to stay upbeat and positive when things go wrong, yet successful people generally convey an optimism about the future. This does not mean that they are blindly naïve; optimists can continue to recognize and address the realities and potential obstacles in their path. Yet their optimism is contagious and fuels the enthusiasm of others. We prefer to work with people who are upbeat, cheerful, and confident about reaching their goal even if that goal is a daunting one.

So how do you develop these three qualities?

• First, be clear about your goal and what’s important to you. Many of us go through our lives without a specific goal or intention about what we’d like to achieve. How can you be courageous or persevere if you’re not sure where you want to go?
• What are the benefits of achieving the goal? Focus on what can be gained; not what you are afraid to lose. Keep these benefits squarely in mind as you move forward.
• What’s your plan? Are there different alternatives for reaching the goal? How can you test the plan along the way and make mid-course corrections if necessary?
• Look for support. Talk to others about your goal and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find support from a family member, a friend, a boss, a coach, a teacher, etc. Who can you count on to provide realistic feedback and help anticipate obstacles? Thank them for their assistance and faith in you.
• Rick Hanson, in his book, “Hardwiring our Happiness” says that our brains have a ‘built-in negativity bias.’ Our brains are like “velcro for negative thoughts and teflon for positive thoughts.” So it’s even harder to stay positive when hit with disappointments and setbacks. By focusing on the positives, and refusing to dwell on the negatives, you can develop a more optimistic mindset.
• I often ask, ‘What’s the worst case scenario if you fail?’ Will someone die? Will you go bankrupt? Can you recover and try again? What can be learned from your mistakes?
• Do a reality check. While persevering and focused on the long term, you still need to be well-grounded. How can you handle the critics, skeptics, and naysayers along the way? Have the courage to listen and elicit their support as you move forward.
• Believe in yourself. Our insecurities and self-doubts can undermine our success, and we often stop trusting our abilities. Major league baseball players who bat .300, can still make it to the Hall of Fame. You can strike out and still be successful.
• Reward yourself and others. At key milestones, find a way to celebrate small wins and express your appreciation to others who have supported you. Many high achievers are constantly looking for the next challenge, and often don’t stop to appreciate even small achievements.
• Let go of grudges and regrets. Optimistic people forgive themselves and others. They accept the present and realize that they can’t change the past. Value the gifts that family, friends, and colleagues can offer, and take responsibility for maintaining healthy relationships.

Without a doubt, these tips are easier said than done. But no matter how you define success, developing courage, perseverance, and optimism can help you reach your goals in any organization.