Think Win/Win for Long-term Success

First, I hope that you had an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July Celebration.

We spent time with family and friends, cook-outs, pool time, and fireworks.

I also watched the History Channel mini-series on George Washington.

The Past

I love to read biographies of leaders because I learn so much from their lived experiences and the obstacles they overcame. I also appreciate that our heroes are often times flawed and that is what makes us human. None of us are perfect and our first president was no different.

What struck me most about George Washington and his leadership was his selflessness. He endured alongside his troops. He held a clear vision of what the country could become.

He had to keep the army engaged over nearly eight years of fighting. And he found ways to overcome insurmountable odds against him, his men, and his country.

Looking Forward

As you look to the horizon of what your company can become, do you have a clear sense of what that will be? Is your company's future defined by growth in revenues and profits, or something more?

The challenge is to manage the growth of your company while building upon the culture and what has made the company successful in the past. But that's not enough.

Frame the vision for the company in the context of what has worked in the past and then harness those successes and culture to propel the company forward into new opportunities.

Central to the vision, what is the purpose of why your company exists? Laser-focused clarity about this provides the energy you and your team will need to make the future a reality.

From Good to Great

The best companies have a clear vision, a north star, articulated in simple terms that defines success, provides a framework for better decision-making and that inspires your people.

I recently spoke about the importance of what makes a firm great in the Accounting Influencers Podcast. Here are a few key points that you can access right away.

08:51 - Difference between GOOD & GREAT firms

16:30 - What is Alignment of Purpose?

18:44 - How to describe Company Culture?

Alignment of Culture, Purpose, Vision

I can't stress enough the importance of alignment of these three areas. Why? Because doing so strengthens engagement across all levels of the organization.

I've guided companies through a collaborative process that brings these together cohesively. When it happens, you can feel the energy and engagement accelerate exponentially. It gives me goosebumps just to write about it.

On culture specifically, find your company's "One-Thing". What are you and your team best at delivering? What are you deeply passionate about and that also has the greatest positive impact on the economics of your company?

Focus your attention on one-thing - a principle - that has the greatest impact and that inspires everyone in the organization.

Long-term Investment

Of all of the investment and resource allocation decisions you need to make in leading your firm, your number one capital investment is your people. Think Win-Win here. As Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote "... Win/Win is fundamental to success..."

Most employees want to contribute to the company and to a purpose that is meaningful. Investing in their personal growth sends a clear message that they are valuable to the organization.

Investing in them is a win/win strategic move for the long-term. Don't worry if some leave your company. Not all of them will and the upside of making this investment and building future leaders will far exceed the downside of the few who go elsewhere.

Until next time!