CELEBRATE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OTHERS TO DISCOVER PERSONAL HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS

One of the key principles in any relationship – be it professional or personal – is that much can be accomplished IF you do not care who receives the credit.  Though it is human nature to want recognition for successfully implementing an idea, an individual earns respect and discover true self-worth when he or she realizes that being responsible for the way something is done or finding the trail up the mountain that a team needs to climb to reach the top is often more important than receiving credit for what was accomplished.

A relationship will be strengthened by actively engaging in cooperative reasoning – through openly discussing all possibilities before acting to maximize and bring to fruition the probabilities that can be realized ONLY when two or more are gathered together and working to accomplish more than one individual ever could.  Originating alternative ideas or concepts is critical to initiate change BUT the implementation of change can often be more effective if the “doers” are empowered to act so that the “dreamers” can more freely innovate.  Maturity within a relationship (or success in a managerial position) comes when the originators of ideas internalize the reality that while “doers” tend receive credit for their performance in bringing ideas to fruition they would never have acted had a new idea or direction not been brought to the surface by a “dreamer.”  Individuals seeking personal recognition, credit and success far too often try to pull everyone in the direction they want to go OR step over those that appear to be in their way rather than lifting those around them up and rising to the top upon their shoulders (rather than upon their backs).

We unleash the potential of those around us to create change when we formulate an idea and communicate what we wish to accomplish to those that will be implementing the change (rather than telling them what to do and how to bring our thoughts to fruition) then get out of the way so they can act (while we monitor progress and offer help if needed).  We create dependency in our relationships when we tell others what to do, how to do it and when it needs to be done rather than simply defining goals, assigning responsibility (and authority) then monitoring progress towards accomplishment.  A relationship constructed upon a foundation of dependent reliance on the thoughts and ideas of another cannot be meaningful.  Growth or success beyond that which one has already achieved cannot occur until a leader equips those around him or her with tools that allow for independent thoughts and actions.

Great leaders originate ideas, communicate expectations then move on to consider new alternatives while monitoring the progress of those left to accomplish their initiatives.  They are rarely around when the tasks they initiate are completed so will not often receive direct recognition for the results – rather they celebrate in the accomplishments of others, recognizing that great rewards will ultimately come to those who can selflessly initiate change and find joy in the journey (rather than only in the destination).

Those that seek recognition for their ideas and actions often lose sight of their long-term objectives and fail to meet their ultimate goals.  To achieve greatness, seek it within the accomplishments of those with whom you have relationships.  Leverage the capabilities of those you have equipped to act upon your ideas rather than limiting your potential to only those things you can accomplish on your own.  Find yourself as you lead others through their darkness and they will help to light your way as they begin to find themselves, discover new possibilities and achieve seemingly impossible things.