Finding Your Superpower For Greater Success
In working with CEOs, Managing Partners, and Leaders, I usually ask this question: "What is your superpower?" Followed by, "What do you do better than anyone else", and "What gives you the most joy?"
For leaders at the personal level, I want to bring out in them where they excel because to truly be at your best, you want to be spending most of your time in your Zone of Genius (Hendricks).
We all have that ONE THING that sets us apart.
McKinsey & Company asked this question, What's Your Superpower in a recent article from a different perspective focused on the organizational level. What the authors call "institutional capabilities".
Put another way, "What can your company or firm be world-class at".
It reminds me of Jim Collins' seminal work in Good to Great.
Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline. - Jim Collins
Any coach in any field of sports will tell you this. Choice plus a disciplined, i.e. consistent, action will yield results. I witnessed this concept in action. It was the difference between championship teams, the also-rans, and the mediocre.
This is the opposite of chasing the next best idea or tactic. You know, "Shiny object syndrome".
Institutional Capabilities
These are an integrated set of people (yes, first!), processes, and technology that enables your company or firm to be consistently better at one thing than your competition.
They are an integral part of your industry and provide a lasting edge (provided of course if done well). What we are talking about here is consistency. Consistently outperforming the competitors over time.
To consistently outperform, your organization needs to consistently improve and get better at the one thing that it is already great at. There's no room for complacency here. This is a continual improvement over time. This is mastery.
Elements of Success
Too often, companies set targets for improvement programs, which over time fizzle out and lose effectiveness. To avoid this, you and your team must be committed to the one thing that sets you apart.
McKinsey highlights several elements of success in making your firm stand out.
First, it starts with Leadership and Vision. Successful leaders are laser-clear on what their company stands for and what they want to be known for. You've gotta feel it, believe it, and embrace it fully each and every day. It's that important.
Second, People. Having a talent system that is functioning well is pivotal. It's not only having the right people in the right place but also supporting them with the right training at the right time to fill the gaps and strengthen their strengths.
Third, Culture and mindset. Of course! If the culture needs to shift, then you must start with the mindset. It's important to note that cultural shifts require consistency and regular communication. The culture needs to be what I call, "Sticky". It has to be authentic and requires that you and your leadership team exude commitment.
Fourth, Technology. In speaking with a managing partner the other day, people and technology are his two biggest concerns. Technology is there to support your people and make their jobs more efficient so they can spend more time solving your customers' needs and making your company stand out (the one thing again).
Fifth, having the right organizational structure in place. You want clear roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities that enable growth and the ability to thrive as the "go-to" company for your unique capabilities.
Sixth, having the processes to support the structure is vital. This includes continually challenging and improving the processes as your company grows.
Finding Your One Thing
This takes some reflection and brainstorming with your leaders and others in the organization. Ask yourselves these questions: What is our company's superpower? What is it that gets us out of bed every morning to do the work that we do? What energizes us, the thing that we can be the best at?
Tap into your superpower for greater success and sustainability. Odds are your competition is already focusing on theirs.
Until Next Time
