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This is a tough one, because everyone will have a different (and valid) definition for the same initiative, project, or task. This is why getting everyone to agree on a definition of success is the first step. No matter the diversity in viewpoints, if everyone can agree on a subset of the goals, progress will happen.

Out of curiosity, I wondered how the “economic success” of a country could be defined. Here is a proposal:

• Spend less than you earn.
• Add value, and give more than you get.

What would we do to operationalize this for each company (or legal entity) and an individual level? This scope is easier to deal with because answering this question for a “country” is too large and too chaotic for us to even think about the problem. (Besides, the effort to overcome the communication gaps, the naysayers, the FUD, and the “troublemakers” who can’t agree with the definition for a country is a large undertaking, suited only for those with political ambitions. Or armchair pundits with time to spare. Or cable TV channels with advertising revenue targets)

To operationalize this definition, each company and individual will need two capabilities to gain a virtuous, positive synergy:

• Business acumen: who is your customer, how will you serve their needs, and why should they buy from you.
• Leadership behaviors: what behaviors will foster effectiveness, productivity, happiness, and satisfaction in the workplace.

Once you buy into this proposal, there is a lot of detail to be worked out. The biggest problem in not that every company and individual will tell us they are “unique” and roadmaps have to be customized for them.

The biggest problem is to find the inner desire to get started, the discipline to stay with the program, and the energy to keep everyone aligned.