If we have successful work teams we also have successful organizations. Connecting at a higher personal and/or professional level and creating relationships that allow greater achievements and better results requires transparency, authenticity and a desire to be part of a joint vision.
This means that your personal agenda will have to start opening space for the agendas of others and that your team’s priorities will become your priorities as well.
How can you achieve common goals with others?
Although we speak the same language, when we begin to interact with others we realize quickly that there are different points of view, mostly between what may or may not be appropriate. It is there where there may be misunderstandings or bad communication that creates low productivity in organizations.
The lack of cultural awareness and of a global mentality in this globalized era in which we live continues to cause cultural shocks in today’s organizations. Learning how to interpret not only our own culture but the behavior of others according to their own perspective is an indispensable skill for the global leader.
How can we understand others from their culture’s point of view?
It’s not a secret that successful companies like Google, Twitter, Chevron, Adobe, and other well-known organizations have one thing in common: a well developed corporate culture. Since their foundation, these companies have created, taught, and applied a corporate culture to such level of excellence, that each one of their employees feels safe and welcome.
Furthermore, as a result of such organizational culture, the workforce enjoys a higher morale and is committed to achieving their goals and share the vision of the company as owners, not employees.
How can you create a culture of success in your organization?
One of the hallmarks that every leader has is his vision. Vision is the indispensable element of every leader.
Vision is what guides the leader. It allows him to visualize his goal. It gives him the internal energy to walk towards the future. Without vision, the leader does not have passion. Furthermore, nobody will follow him because he does not have a defined course. Walt Disney is the best example of this: he had a clear vision, which led him to success despite all his difficulties. Today we know how his vision materialized and still continues to be successful.
Is your vision clear and defined?
The Internet has changed how we meet people, have conversations, and spend time with others. Our lives are no longer influenced only by those close to us physically. We are connecting daily with the rest of the world.
Globalization is no longer something that only pertains to some companies or corporations. Globalization is part of everyone’s life. And I mean everyone… whether you are a student, a parent, a mentor, an employee, an entrepreneur, a CEO, a writer, a speaker, a coach, or an artist.
Are you connected to the world? Whether you are an Internet user or have a cell phone, you certainly are. So how can you develop a global mindset and increase your possibilities and opportunities?
Culture is often compared to an iceberg, in the sense that what we can perceive is only at the top. The top of the “cultural iceberg” is made up of things we can observe and of what people allow us to see – what they wear, do, eat, and say.
However, the greater part of the iceberg lies below the surface and is not visible. That part is made up of values, assumptions, personality, beliefs and other characteristics that shape and drive behavior.
Are your own values and assumptions becoming a cultural lens?
To achieve success, it is critical to understand that the pure desire to reach a goal is not enough; you must take action. But taking action requires having a specific focus.
By being focused, you will make sure that you will keep a logical order in what you do and follow a plan to avoid getting distracted from your goals. This will help you make good use of your resources and progress towards your target.
How can you stay focused?
If you do a Google search for the definition of success, you will find a lot of different definitions. Some of them are based on achievements and how people feel about them. Others are based on popularity or material acquisitions.
Some such as having the respect of intelligent people, not being frustrated, being happy, finishing a project, not having stress, are some of the definitions that grab my attention. Others say that it is a mixture of elements and others that is the balance between them.
How do you define success?
At the beginning of each New Year, there is always a list of goals that people want to achieve at a personal and corporate level. Some of these goals, each and every year, are part of the year-end list. Unfortunately, some do not reach the second month and by the middle of the year, others have been completely forgotten. Why are goals not being achieved?
The statistics are not very encouraging. In a study done by Stanton University, it was concluded that 92% of people do not reach their goals. The figures for this study even show that some goals do not even reach the first week. For more information click the following link: http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
The question is: what happens with that small percentage of people who actually reach their goals? What do they do differently that allows them to achieve their goals?
Achieving success requires an action plan where you can have a clear vision of your goal. As part of your “action plan,” your goal should be SMART. Is your goal clear enough for you to make it happen?
The first step in an action plan is to have a clear idea of what you want and why you want it. Then, your goal must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and attainable a real period of time.
How can you have a SMART goal?