Your success depends on other’s success.
It was my privilege to open the FCA Franchise Awards night last week as the keynote speaker and was asked to share on the importance of building a culture of celebration in our sector. I reflected on some of our Back In Motion story and remembered my profound learning that anyone’s success depends on the success of others. That is, success – however you define it – is contagious. It’s funny how most people love success…they just don’t always love successful people! Why not? When those around you succeed, a little bit rubs off on you. When you get things right, it inspires them to do better. All physio boats float on the same rising health tide of our achievement. I succeed more when you do too!
Recognising our success is a shared story, makes me want to get better at two things:
- Celebrate others regularly!
Don’t be like my younger self. I used to finish a project or achieve a result…rest momentarily, and then be on to the next mountain to climb. I forgot to celebrate the win and those around me who helped us get there. Not anymore. My wife and others have taught me the importance of slowing, noticing the wins, and enjoying the moment. Celebrating others must continue to become a greater part of the culture of every team.
Wolfram Schultz, a principal research fellow at the University of Cambridge in England, gives us biochemical evidence for the positive neuro-psychological impact of celebrating others. The basal ganglia release more dopamine when we say “well done” and “thank you”. Our body becomes awash with the cocktail of oxytocin, serotonin, cortisol, and endorphins that gives us greater performance and learning potential. Our amygdala, which moderates our flight or fight response, better regulates our mood and behaviour. And from the study of epigenetics and our knowledge of neuroplasticity, we now know that we are literally re-wiring how our brain functions when we focus on others. So, be guilty of making an extraordinary and disproportionately big deal over people’s seemingly insignificant accomplishments and watch them grow and flourish before your eyes. They will succeed more often, and so will you.
2. Invest in others more often.
I’m deeply spiritual and follow the way of Jesus. It’s not hard for me to believe that God wants us to live beyond ourselves and to help others. Our Purpose Statement at Back In Motion is to be Significant! Which means we want to have a positive impact in the lives of others – and especially those in need.
Many of us are amongst the most wealthy, resourced, intelligent, educated and experienced individuals in our society. We are people of means. And potentially, agents of positive change. So, let’s use our success to be significant. Let’s help others succeed even more than they have.
Remember, people follow people, more than brands. People follow advice from people they like. And so today you just may have the privileged position to be significant in someone else’s life today.
Let’s practice these two things more often. Acknowledge the peers around you who are doing a great job…and help them do even better. Celebrate a client’s wins…and then empower them to go further. Even throw some appreciation upward toward your employers (it’s often a thankless job), and then ask them how else you can support and encourage them.
Let’s exaggerate our celebrations and invest in others! The two work hand-in-hand and build a wonderful culture of enduring success that everyone benefits from.