Serendipity

"...the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."

The “Serendipity Factor” came up in conversation today as it relate to luck playing a role in business and career success. As the founder of Self-Reliant Leadership, I tend to believe, “if it’s to be, it’s up to me,” and that we “make our own luck.” At the same time, we need to be working in an environment (a system if you will) that allows for us to maximize our strengths and leverage the resources around us. Isn’t that what a successful business organization does?

Effective leaders take a step back and ask how the environment they created (i.e., the culture) effects the behaviors (and ultimately the performance) of the people they’ve hired to help fulfill their vision.

To me, the best way to do this is to remind yourself every single day, “People Support What They Help Create.” We’re weakest when we think we need to come up with the analysis, options, and answers. We’re strongest when we give up some power, check our ego, ask for help, take a hand, and truly drive decision-making to the lowest level possible.

Great presentations today by Norman Apsley, Patricia O’Hagan, Bryan Keating, and Gary Hamilton at Catalyst in Belfast today. Thank you, all!