A Path to Success – Striving for Continuous Improvement

I have written numerous times about a key success and leadership quality: that we must recognize that we can always do better, that we seek continuous improvement. Whether we are the CEO, a high level executive, on the way up the corporate ladder, at the reception desk, or in the mail room, everyone can improve!

This is not only a wonderful attitude to have as an executive, but also as a team, company or organization.

It is said that humility is the foundation of growth, and yes, it is! Striving for continuous improvement is recognition of humility, that yes, we’re good, maybe very good, and we can be even better.

When one has a big ego, does not seek advice, does not ask open-ended questions, does not listen to understand, does not openly seek and want honest, timely and constructive feedback, that person will have limited success over time, and will miss out on the thrill of helping people succeed.

Watch the success of a team, a company that has a culture of “yes, we’re good, and we’re going to try to get better, every day!” They could become best in their field and their team will love working together.

Continuous improvement requires ideas from clients – what clients expect, want and need from your company. Ask for specifics, e.g. what does that look like?

As an executive, what advice do your internal clients, your co-workers have for you? And you for them, as you are their internal client.

Always seeking suggestions leads to a team that is engaged, excited, loyal, and eager to contribute ideas. Remember, the best ideas are bottom up.

The key to striving for continuous improvement is:

• having the confidence to allow yourself to be vulnerable,
• knowing that you can always do better, and
• asking for advice.

I had the rare good fortune of working with two organizations that were striving to get better every day. This is a real difference maker, for each of us personally and for our organization.

My call to action – let’s each initiate a plan, a campaign, or reinforce it if it already exists, to strive every day for continuous improvement.