Every organization wants to be successful. But most do not have a framework that they work within. More often than not, organizations are reactive rather than proactive. They don’t have a plan.

As a result, they often fail to achieve the success they are looking for.

Of course, every organization is unique and needs to create their own unique plan to follow. But every organization can adopt the general framework that follows to begin working toward success.

Creating A Framework For Success In Any Organization

Dream your dreams

What stops us from dreaming big dreams? Are we too busy? Or too distracted? Are we cynical from past experiences? Defeated by failure?

Too often we simply stop dreaming. Yet, whether it’s the impact of a new organization or the growth of a business, we need to envision the future in terms of a big dream. Have you really allowed yourself to dream lately?

Tell your story

Everyone loves a good story! What’s yours? No big dream for your organization can be accomplished alone – you’ve got to have others on board with you that share in the dream. The best way to get them on board is by sharing a clear and compelling story of the future – your vision! Learn to tell it well.

Recruit the best

Whether volunteers or staff, always find the best people to fill the roles that need to be filled in order to accomplish the vision. No “warm bodies”! I have learned that it’s better to wait, or even leave a role unfilled, then to bring on someone who will be disruptive, distracting or dishonorable in the role.

Demand accountability

Once your team is in place, expect the best and hold them to it. Of course, this has to be done appropriately, but there’s nothing wrong with holding people accountable (including yourself!) to high standards. It benefits not only the organization and the people you serve, but also the team themselves.

Affirm excellence

One of the best ways to continue excellence is to affirm excellence. No one wants a taskmaster. But we all respond when our hard work that brings good results is appreciated and affirmed. Find small and big ways to do this both publicly and privately with your team.

Celebrate success

Affirming excellence is more individually focused. Celebrating success is more team focused. Too often we have a “win” in our organization (an excellent program in the organization, a sales goal met in business, a new level of service reached in our non-profit) and we forget to intentionally celebrate that success. Don’t do that – celebration is not a waste of time, it is an investment in time that will reap rewards of loyalty, unity and fulfillment far beyond the celebration itself.

What have you learned about success in your organization? Please share in comments below.