Ever since the dawn of civilization, greatness has been the voice of our human spirit. It is not an outcome, but a way of living. We are in a constant chase after meaning and progress. We seek to find the best possible version of everything, including ourselves, yearning to unleash our potential and make an impact. Greatness is not exclusive to athletes or famous people; it concerns every one of us, you and me, people who choose to find meaning, the voice to lead a purpose-driven life, and the courage to make a meaningful contribution.
What are the three principles to enable greatness?
Principle 1: You can’t be what your culture is not
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” is a quote credited to one of the most influential thinkers on management, Peter Drucker. I personally believe that culture eats strategy not only for breakfast, but also for lunch and dinner. While any strategy, blueprint, or policy imposes the direction of a team or an organization, it is the culture that inspires and enables an environment for the strategy to thrive. Like lenses in glasses that change the way you look at things, your culture shapes your organization and defines the way you do business and the business you do. The question is: How do you promote and inspire a winning culture: that intangible and hidden mark of distinction that literally shapes everything you do?
Principle 2: You can’t be what your people are not
Your “right” people are your most important resource. To win and thrive, it is vital to surround yourself with the right, talented, and passionate colleagues who contribute their best selves to live out the organizational values and serve its core purpose. Engaged human resources who, regardless of their positions, status or job titles are powered by the right frame of mind and free to experiment, collaborate, lead, and deliver. The question is: How do you translate talent to performance, surround yourself with the right, talented, and passionate colleagues, and bring out the gold in others?
Principle 3: You can’t be what your investment is not
Once you inspire a powerful winning culture, and select the right people, it is time to bring your investment to the World in the form of an “experience”. Yes, experience.
You might have the best and most attractive products and services, but if you don’t ensure an exceptional experience, it means nothing.
Customers don’t buy your products and services, they seek the emotions your products and services evoke in them. In today’s experience economy, customer are craving unique, engaging, memorable, personal and emotional moments. The question is: How do you bring your investment to the world, deliberately evoke emotions in your customers and convert your customer experience into one that chills and thrills?
For more elaborate answers on Melkart's book, "Greatness is NOWHERE", click
here.