Last week I wrote about how leaders are always looking forward. I want to continue on this thought because as we come to the end of a year and “look forward” to the New Year, it’s important that we continually evaluate where we’ve come from and where we want to go. One of the statements I’ve made hundreds of times with the people I lead is that the success of the previous performance “has no bearing” on the performance we are about to do. Sure, it’s great to feel encouraged by past successes, and frankly, previous performance is a strong indicator of future success, especially when hiring a potential new team member, but what I mean by “no bearing” is that we can’t assume that just because we did something right previously, our next performance is automatic. Every time we step onto the stage, we must start over with a new audience, and the moment we begin to think that success is a given and let down our focus, disaster will strike! I’ve seen many performances go south because the people on stage stopped thinking about what it was they were there to do. Lines are forgotten, steps are missed, songs go out of tune–all because the performer went into autopilot mode. Recently I gave the same speech I always do, reminding my team that every successful performance must be earned and approached as if it is opening night, each and every time. I was pleased when I found out they were actually listening and the multiple performances all went very well!
I bring this up because as leaders do what leaders do at the end of the year–set new objectives and plan new events for the upcoming year–it’s really important to never allow yourself the luxury of coasting. Past success will not guarantee the future. The fact that you drew big crowds or made huge sales really “has no bearing” on what will happen the next time. You must start over. You have a new audience, and if you coast, if you assume that because people came the last time they’ll come this time, you are asking for trouble and setting yourself up for a huge disappointment. I know of events that “have become a tradition for the community,” and people subsequently expect the success of the past to be the same as the future, only to see numbers decline. They coast, and results fade. I’m ranting now, but I hope you understand my passion about making sure that we never stop doing the things that made us successful in the first place. Innovation, intentional marketing, get-your-hands-dirty interaction with the people, and a relentless desire to make things better and change with the ever-changing culture are what will ensure tomorrow’s success. Fail to do those things, and you might be able to coast for a short time, but eventually, you’ll lose your grasp of the success you once had. It’s very sad when that happens to a once-good leader, endeavor, or organization.
There is an old adage that says, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing you’ve always done, but expecting different results.” So very true. Do you want next year to be better than this one? Do you want the successes of the past to be repeated? Then, you must do things differently. You must stay in step with the times. You must put aside personal preference in order to serve the people in your care today. And, you must remember that last night’s success “has no bearing” on tonight’s!
Lead well.