Episode: 559

Episode Title: Success Is Not Solo

Success in today’s workplace is no longer a solo endeavor. Instead, it’s all about making an impact through relationships. Let’s talk about it, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 559 show:

This is The Perna Syndicate—and I’m glad you’re joining me today! All week, we’ve been talking about a fresh definition of workplace success that looks past promotions and paychecks to the personal satisfaction of investing in yourself and others. 

Dr. Alan Patterson, who recently chatted with me on this topic, says we need to change our mindset that moving up the corporate ladder is the only way to achieve success. He believes the ladder itself is a myth, because it implies that anyone can climb it. 

If you think about it, there’s no guarantee that you will rise beyond a certain point in the pecking order. Working hard and with excellence isn’t always enough. Too often, promotions aren’t about performance. They’re about the judgment of your performance, many times by people who don’t even know you.

So how do we redefine success for ourselves? We stop thinking of it as something that is a solo endeavor. Patterson argues that we can change the game by helping others get what is important to them. Rather than doing whatever it takes to climb solo up the ladder, don’t fight your way to the top. Build relationships instead, as a source of energy and renewal. 

This is a healthier, more rewarding way to achieve personal meaning, instead of getting sucked into the game that can be inherently unfair. True success is not me-centered, but collaborative. 

On the next episode of The Perna Syndicate, we’ll wrap up this conversation with what leadership should look like in this new definition of success. Take care and we’ll see you then!