IMPROVE

By itself “Improve” is a simple word, but it has profound and lasting implications when coupled with any action we take. A genuine desire to improve affects not only our view of the world but also what we choose to do and how we choose to do it. Integrating this perspective into our daily lives gives meaning to even life’s most mundane tasks.

Everything we do can be done better. This isn’t a criticism, nor does it excuse us from minimizing the achievements of others, but rather points to our opportunities. The belief that there is a better way, that anything can be improved, is what drives innovation and progress. Our world is constantly in motion-in good times and bad. We are either moving forward or backward. Static is not a natural state. When we are at a standstill we in effect fall behind. While we sit satisfied with today others with open eyes and a desire to improve are taking advantage of the new opportunities unveiled by the changing environment. Nothing stays the same. As leaders we can fight nature and be satisfied with our present state or we can flow with it and challenge ourselves, and those around us, to constantly improve.

Victories should be celebrated. Recognizing successes is part of being a leader. As individuals we should take time to relish our personal accomplishments also. Deriving satisfaction from accomplishing a specific goal is a key motivator and a healthy stroke we give ourselves. In fact, the individual who needs only the personal knowledge of success and not the recognition of others is the emotionally healthiest among us. That said always knowing that we can do better no matter how successful we are helps keep us humble. It builds humility into our daily life and the lives of others. If everyone simply wants to help improve the situation then the territorial and ego issues that tend to dominate so many issues dissipate.

Striving to continually improve keeps our victories in perspective. It allows time to enjoy them but then challenges us to move past them by discovering more challenges and opportunities. “What’s next?” is a question that we should regularly ask of ourselves and of those around us. There is always a “next”. We must always be looking for the next opportunity to improve. This needs to become an integral part of our organization’s culture. Too many companies have gone out of business by not asking this question of themselves. They enjoy their success and present position in the market place and don’t ask the tough questions. These are the questions their competitors are asking: “How can I gain market share?” ” What can I do better than them?” “What are their strengths and weaknesses?” “Where are they most vulnerable?” As leaders we must demand that we have answers to these questions before our competition does or we lose our advantage.

We must always remember that in this fast paced, unmerciful world in which we live any advantage we have today can be gone tomorrow. A commitment to improve is a strong tonic when taken as directed-constantly.