Be Successful, Be Human, Say “Sorry”

Patrick Lencioni, author of the business best seller, The Advantage, gives the key to success for business owners and members alike: Organizational Health. What does that look like? What does health even mean in the context of successful business practices and foundation? Lencioni uses health in its most simple form, tracing it back to the origins of business: the wellbeing of its leaders and members.

Lencioni also urges true and shared vulnerability. Leaders who can share their backstory with their members, inspire employees to do the same. When there is vulnerability and genuine honesty, different strengths within the team are bolstered and used efficiently. Saying, “I need help,” or even, “I’m sorry,” in the work place will create an environment where people aren’t afraid to take risks and embrace their creativity, knowing that their team members support this practice. Lencioni stresses the importance of valuing employees because “happy employees never leave.”

The Advantage encourages cohesiveness and humility, using communication as the vehicle. In essence, true organizational health begins with leaders who are able to lead by example. Leaders who are able to effectively and clearly communicate the goals and values of an organization with its members are likely to create a cohesive unit where all members work to achieve the same goals. Clarity is key. The team must know why they are doing what they do each day.

Even when communication and clarity are achieved as functioning elements, they still have to be reinforced consistently and with genuine interest. Leaders who check in, businesses that are self-aware, and employees that work in a way that maximizes their strengths will rarely fail. To understand if these needs are being met, Lencioni offers six questions to constantly be asking:

• Why do we exist?
• How do we behave?
• What do we do?
• How do we succeed?
• What is most important, right now?
• Who must do what?

Simply put, The Advantage offers the following four strategic disciplines for success:

• Build a cohesive leadership team
• Create clarity
• Over-communicate clarity
• Reinforce clarity

Of course, these questions and disciplines require courage and vulnerability, which in the business context, can be quite challenging. These practices are on-going, take dedication and are only possible when each member is open and willing to be honest. Read more about The Advantage and create your path to success!