A measure of success
by Gail Kirkegaard
September message, 2008
Like you, I hope for "favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors," for my business (refer to Dictionary.com). Certainly not at all costs. If it's achieved honestly, success shouldn't be feared or disdained.
How I measure my business success is decided by the commitment and moral fiber I invest as a contributor to society, and problem solver for my clients.
What will we do when we reach our goals, and all we strived for is realized? Would you plan to reach still higher? I would, given the opportunity. It seems there's always another rung on the ladder.
How about success outside of business? I won't measure it by what I got out of life, how much stuff I accumulated, the miles I traveled, what I earned, or my titles or degrees. Instead, I'll reflect on my contributions to the lives of others. How did I affect my community, my church, my family? Referring to a poem that's been passed around through E-mail, what's important is the dash on my headstone, the one between the year I was born and the year I die. Did I make the most of my gifts?
I devoted ten years to full time Motherhood. I was available 24/7 to serve and love my two most favored members of the next generation. It meant volunteering at schools, being up all hours when they're sick, teaching them to pray.
How will I measure success for that commitment? Ihaven't yet received my interest statement for the time investment. They're still in college, so their own dreams are being constructed. Parents are family architects, and engineers, responsible for laying a sound foundation for the next generation. We are pillars, demonstrating resilience and structural integrity. Unpredictable onslaughts will crash against the house, yet their framework is sound and solid.
An important national election is approaching. Leaders and lawmakers figuratively stand above us like skyscrapers. They're exposed to numerous negative pressures and persuasions, and need a firm undergirding of character and conscience to thwart off moral squalls and typhoons. How do they define success? The security and overall well-being of their citizens is a substantial measure of it. Did they maneuver through the political gauntlet without conceding their principles?
Organizations are built with tools, your compelling marketing and communication materials. Fragile tools might fracture; the wrong ones can delay a project. A skilled craftsman can help you create and implement the best ones for every stage of development. Please get in touch with me. I'd like to discuss your marketing blueprint with you, and help you fashion the right tools for business success.