Success—it’s a loaded word. We’re taught to chase it, but what does it even mean? I had a conversation recently that dived deep into this question, unpacking it from multiple angles. When you get right down to it, success is more complex than dollars and followers. Sure, building wealth is part of it for many, but a fulfilling life demands something more holistic. So, let’s explore two essential perspectives on success: achieving it through others and achieving it responsibly.
Success Through Others
Here’s a radical notion: what if success wasn’t just about your personal gain, but the impact you make on others?
Imagine a world where we measure success by how we lift others up. In leadership circles, we often say a leader’s success is only as strong as the team’s success.
This philosophy teaches managers to see their role not as gatekeepers but as stepping stones for their team. Helping someone grow to the point where they outgrow your organization isn’t a loss—it’s a victory. You helped someone reach their potential. Now that’s success.
This idea is applicable beyond the office. Whether it’s in our communities, friendships, or even families, we’re often at our best when we’re encouraging others to thrive. That mindset shifts your purpose from “What can I achieve?” to “What can we achieve together?” It’s a game-changer for anyone aiming to make a lasting impact, whether you're leading a business, a team, or just living a life worth talking about.
Responsible Success: Winning Without Loss
The next layer of success is what I’d call “responsible success.” Can you make it to the top without stepping on others along the way? The answer is a resounding yes. You can build a million-dollar empire without leaving a trail of burned bridges or forgotten people in your wake. The key lies in maintaining a clear ethical compass that guides every decision. Your goal might be to create massive value, but success truly shines when that value uplifts rather than undermines others.
Imagine you’ve built a $100 million business. It didn’t happen by exploiting others, but by creating products or services people genuinely need. That’s value-driven growth. Not only have you made a meaningful difference, but you’ve also achieved it without leaving anyone worse off. This idea is crucial in a world where competitive pressures sometimes push people to cut corners. Real success leaves people, communities, and ecosystems better than it found them.
Environment Shapes Our Perspective on Success
Your surroundings also shape what success looks like to you.
I was reminded of this when talking when speaking with some entrepreneur friends in South Africa, a country grappling with stark inequality. Social entrepreneurship thrives there because people see daily the challenges others face.
Entrepreneurs are drawn to solve problems that are visible and immediate, creating value directly within their communities. Contrast that with a more individualistic society, and you get different success metrics.
Where one person sees success as changing their neighborhood, another might see it as building a global brand. Neither is wrong; it’s all about where you’re coming from and who you’re trying to help.
The Bottom Line
Success is multifaceted. It’s about achieving your dreams, but it’s also about making sure others benefit along the way. It’s about adding value and doing so responsibly. It’s about acknowledging how your environment shapes your ambitions. So, ask yourself: How are you defining success, and who are you impacting on the journey? Because, ultimately, the most rewarding successes are those that ripple out, lifting others along the way.
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