Success by Making Others Successful

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ashok Srivastava, a highly experienced mentor from Mumbai. Mr. Srivastava is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award which will be bestowed upon him on 18Aug2024 by the prestigious IIT, recognizing him as an esteemed alumnus from the 12th batch of IIT Kharagpur, where he graduated in 1966—a year when I was just two years old. Following his retirement from P&G as a vice president in 1999, he has dedicated his time to consulting and mentoring individuals like me.

During our conversation, Mr. Srivastava shared insights from his tenure at P&G, highlighting a powerful program focused not only on individual success but also on empowering others. He emphasized the significance of this approach, underscoring the profound impact it had on fostering a culture of collaboration and support within the organization. In a heartfelt gesture, Mr. Srivastava commended me for my efforts in hosting "SIT Chat", a video podcast that airs every Thursday at 20:30 IST. He expressed his admiration for my intention behind the show and my consistency in conducting every week without fail for almost a year now, to provide a platform for my guests to shine and achieve success.

Success is often perceived as an individual achievement, marked by personal accomplishments and milestones. However, a more profound and sustainable form of success can be achieved by empowering and uplifting others. This ethos, rooted in the concept of collective success, emphasizes the idea that one's own success is intricately linked to the success of those around them. In this article, I will share my perspective on the philosophy of success through the lens of making others successful, exploring its benefits and implications for personal and professional growth.

Collaboration lies at the heart of the philosophy of making others successful. Rather than viewing success as a finite resource to be hoarded, proponents of this approach recognize that true success is abundant and can be multiplied through collaboration. By leveraging the diverse skills, perspectives, and strengths of a team or community, individuals can achieve more collectively than they ever could alone.

In a collaborative environment where each member is committed to the success of the group, there is a culture of trust, support, and shared, yet individually owned, accountability. This fosters innovation, creativity, and resilience, as individuals feel empowered to take risks and pursue ambitious goals knowing that they have a network of support behind them.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

Empowering others to succeed not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond immediate circles. When individuals feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential, they are more likely to pay it forward and uplift others in turn. This creates a virtuous cycle of success, where each act of empowerment sets off a chain reaction of positive impact.

Moreover, empowering others can lead to greater inclusivity and diversity within organizations and communities. By actively seeking out and amplifying the voices of marginalized or underrepresented groups, individuals can create environments that are more equitable, resilient, and dynamic.

In doHow?, a Socratic Learning Methodology I have developed, a key strategy is to encourage individuals we assist, to recognize and begin mentoring someone they perceive as not fully utilising their talents, as part of their journey toward personal growth.

Personal Fulfilment and Meaningful Connections

Beyond the tangible benefits of collaboration and empowerment, making others successful can also lead to a deeper sense of personal fulfilment and purpose. When individuals prioritize the success and well-being of others, they cultivate meaningful connections, build trust, and forge lasting relationships based on mutual respect and support.

Furthermore, the act of helping others achieve their goals can be inherently rewarding, providing a sense of satisfaction and pride that transcends material success. Whether it is mentoring a colleague, volunteering in the community, or supporting a friend in need, acts of kindness and generosity can enrich one's life in ways that go beyond traditional measures of success.

Again, in doHow?, the first activity is to perform an analysis of all the work/life stakeholders along with identifying their interest and impact on success, for enabling them to succeed, as a key strategy for own success.

Practical Strategies for Making Others Successful

Walk the Talk: Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and empowerment in your own actions and behaviours – Art of Delegation is the key.

Establish and foster connections: Identify the people in your network who can be of help and connect, preferably during a short introductory call – Networking is powerful.

Provide Support and Resources: Offer guidance, mentorship, and resources to help others succeed in their endeavours – Embracing Inverted Hierarchy is magical.

Celebrate Others' Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of those around you, fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation – Cheer for Others!

Create Opportunities for Growth: Create opportunities for learning, development, and advancement, enabling others to reach their full potential – Master Socratic Methodology.

Foster a Culture of Feedback: Encourage open and honest communication, soliciting feedback and input from others to foster continuous improvement and growth – Foster Accountability.

In conclusion, success by making others successful offers a powerful framework for personal and professional growth, emphasising collaboration, empowerment, and meaningful connections. This leadership style is also called servant leadership, where one puts the needs of the employees first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. By prioritizing the success and well-being of others, individuals can create a more inclusive, resilient, and fulfilling world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

How successful are you in making others successful?

Happy reading!