What happens when a business pairs a brilliance mindset with habits of excellence? It becomes a force of nature, destined for greatness in its business dealings and with its stakeholder relationships. In my previous article, I spoke about the perils of having an “average mindset,” well, the “brilliance mindset” is the exact opposite state.
A business driven by a “brilliance mindset” thinks of itself as a five-star brand, possesses a certain polish in its style of operating and never entertains doubts about its right to have a seat at the table of commercial abundance. In fact, this business thrives on the belief in its ability to achieve greatness.
Pair this mindset with the habits that are critical to delivering results at a high level of excellence and guess what? We have a winning entity.
A “brilliance mindset” has to be cultivated carefully. It is shaped around blazing trails, being unique and not being lost in a sea of sameness. Business leaders who are endowed with a “brilliance mindset” curate innovation and new ways of differentiating their businesses, invariably going on to add differentiated value to customers.
A business driven by a “brilliance mindset” thinks of itself as a five-star brand, possesses a certain polish in its style of operating and never entertains doubts about its right to have a seat at the table of commercial abundance.
Businesses led by these leaders, do not suffer from the frailties that beset their competitors. Chaotic cultures, antagonistic business climates, leadership fractures and disgruntled customers, are not part of the tapestry that defines these businesses.
A natural question arises as to whether a business that is fuelled by an “average mindset” can elevate to a “brilliance mindset.” The answer would be, “Yes.” It can happen through the relentless development and release of native talent, coupled with an infusion of new expertise to fill the gaps that can’t be sourced internally. But first, someone at the leadership level, with enough influence, has to ignite the spark that will give life to the new mindset.
I have had the good fortune to work with leaders who have leveraged their brilliance to build departments, divisions and businesses that have become highly admired for all of the right reasons. One such business client had all of its ducks lined up in a row. The leadership team was unified in its purpose, the reputation of the business centred around excellence, customers were treated like gold and on the inside, it was a great place to work. Needless to say, this business enjoyed unparalleled eminence in the marketplace.
A “brilliance mindset” has to be cultivated carefully. It is shaped around blazing trails, being unique and not being lost in a sea of sameness.
“Habits of excellence” sprout naturally from a “brilliance mindset.”
Championing the ubiquity of brilliance is one of the “habits of excellence” displayed by a business with this mindset. Can you imagine what happens when a business acknowledges that brilliance can be found anywhere within its population and recognizes its existence whenever it shows up?
A welcome effect is that employees will no longer have to pander to executive egos and sensitive personalities. They can just bring their ideas forward fearlessly.
Continuous adaptation is another habit that emerges in this brilliance scenario. This is simply a way of saying that the business makes space to accommodate change. By being intentional in embracing change as an ally and not a foe to be feared, the business establishes a healthy relationship with its own metamorphosis. Employees learn that there is no need to resist change and that continuous adaptation is the only way to thrive in a world that is evolving continuously.
By being intentional in embracing change as an ally and not a foe to be feared, the business establishes a healthy relationship with its own metamorphosis.
Promotion of a pioneering spirit throughout the business, is another “habit of excellence.” Employees are encouraged to be trailblazers, solution-finders and innovators. They are given the resources, as well, to succeed in their trailblazing journeys. Thinking outside of the box becomes a “living and lived value” in this workplace and enables innovation to become part of the excellence footprint.
The natural outcome of all of this ingenuity of mindset and behaviour, is the emergence of a business that focuses on becoming an authentic ecosystem, where commercial success, employee success and customer success, are not at odds with cardinal business principles and practices. This type of business tends to be an anomaly in today’s marketplace, where internal and external tension is the prevailing frequency.
Finally, challenging the status quo is encouraged. How else will the business propel itself forward, if not by establishing rules for preventing itself from becoming stagnant? Of course, when employees are released from the tension that accompanies a restrained environment, an authentic reality emerges.
I cannot overstate the importance of the gains to be achieved by a business, when it makes a “brilliance mindset” and accompanying “habits of excellence” two of its core drivers.
I cannot overstate the importance of the gains to be achieved by a business, when it makes a “brilliance mindset” and accompanying “habits of excellence” two of its core drivers.
What I will say to business leaders though, is, don’t take my word for it…….take these energizers for a test run and discover the gains for yourselves.