How we define accomplishment changes over time - I think the time period lengthens.
When you are a kid, success is measured in the present. I cleaned my room now. I ate my vegetables now. I helped mommy set the table now. Good girl!
Eventually, we start lengthening the time period over which success is measured. How did we do this week? Did we get good grades in school this semester? Were we a valuable teammate this season?
As we rise in ranks, the evaluation period grows even more. What were our results this year? Did we develop our people over the past few years? Have we met the objectives in the multi-year strategic plan?
Where success really matters is when we start to define it in terms of generations. As a leader in education, I try to think beyond just this year's entering or even graduating class to think about the impact our university is making for the next decade. Are we instilling values and skills in our students that will help them to be leaders of the next generation? Are you aiding in the local economy in a way that will live beyond your current job? Are you helping create a foundation for future innovation and development that has a century-long life span?
If you're meeting your measures too easily, rethink whether your time frame is right. It isn't today's successes that matter as much as whether you are accomplishing value for tomorrow.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
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