"Some people dream of success, while other people get
up every morning and make it happen.” -- Wayne Huizenga
I wonder if there is any word used more often in business
and occupational circles than the word, "success". Although its
meaning, interpretation, and even its application can be endlessly debated, it
is widely understood to be something of great value and worthy of our effort
and pursuit. The operative word here is pursuit.
As the above quote indicates, success is not likely to come
without a concerted effort to "make it happen". However, as most of
us can attest, making it happen is a whole lot easier said than done. When we
think of all the stops and starts, as well as, the speed bumps and roadblocks
we've endured on the road to success, we can confidently say that success does
not easily yield its best fruit. We can also say that hard work alone is
probably not enough to hit its highest heights. We need the right attitude, the
right strategy, the right people, and more often than not, the right example to
follow.
Looking at the success of others and the pathways they've
taken can help bring our own success aspirations into perspective if we'll take
the time to open our "I's" -- Innovation, Integration, and Imitation. Here's a few example of how others have
done that very thing:
Success through Innovation: It's hard to believe it's
been 50 years since the release of The Beatles' landmark album "Sergeant
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." I happened to catch a portion of the
new program, Sgt. Pepper's Musical Revolution on public television and
was captivated by the level of innovation used during the time of its
recording. Innovations that continue to influence recordings even today. From
its concept to its instrumentation, to its change in recording techniques,
Sergeant Pepper was totally different and would forever define The Beatles as
musical innovators and propel them to even greater levels of success. Being
first has its advantages.
Success through Integration: Sometimes the best way
to success is through the integration of processes or in the case of the IPhone,
devices. When Steve Jobs stepped on to the platform at MacWorld in 2007, our
world was about to change. What he showed us was a mobile phone with the
ability to communicate with the internet, and maybe even listen to a little
music. After three years of work, three separate functions, on three separate
devices, were now combined into one handheld device -- and everybody wanted
one. They still do. Today, the smartphone is probably considered our most
important business and personal communication tool -- and it is hard to imagine
functioning without it. What important integrations are still possible?
Success through Imitation: According to a 2010
article in Harvard Business Review, "imitation is
underappreciated" and has been used by some of today's most successful
companies and organizations. Although there can be a certain stigma associated
with imitation, there is a case that can be made for its success. According to Oded Shenkar, "copying others’ ideas is good business.
Sometimes it’s great business. And it happens more often than people
think." From the smartphone to the success of Walmart and McDonalds, imitation has
played a major role in advancing ideas and refining products and processes. It
may not only be the sincerest form of flattery, it may also be a great strategy
for success.
While there are many paths and methodologies to follow in
pursuit of our individual and corporate success, it may be time well spent to
turn our I's toward the key areas of innovation, integration, and imitation --
and how they can be used in the development of our goals, objectives, plans, and
strategies.
I wish you great success!
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