Sustaining Success - 6 Steps to fuel your team beyond this year's win to even greater goals - Cody Foster

“Nothing leads to failure more than success.” – Some Famous CEO

I heard this quote almost 10 years ago. You know how I can remember it’s been that long? Because it was in an interview Darren Hardy was doing for “Success” magazine when you still had the CD stuffed into the magazine. (I’m not sure my last two cars have even had a CD player.)

I wish I could remember which CEO said it (my team and I have scoured the Internet), because it’s something I’ve never forgotten. Their point was, when you have success, it becomes easy to let your guard down and then you stop doing the little things that made you successful in the first place.?

This may sound counterintuitive, but as a leader I start to worry the most about our business when we are having a tremendous amount of success. I’ve seen too many businesses (and people) have a great year or two but then fall apart and never be heard from again.

Keep the Pace

Achieving success in any given year is worth celebrating, but what sets great leaders apart is their ability to sustain and build upon that success. After this year, which for many has been record-setting, it’s crucial that you have a plan to avoid complacency and keep the momentum going.?

Here are six ways you as a leader can do exactly that.

1. Don’t Skip the Celebration

One of my weaknesses — and I’m guessing yours also — is one that’s common among leaders: a perpetual dissatisfaction with where you are as a business versus where you aspire to be. It’s what makes you a successful entrepreneur.?

But not everyone is wired this way — in fact, most of the people on your team are not. ?

So before forging ahead, it’s imperative that you, as the leader, reflect on the past year and recognize the wins and celebrate them. After you’ve celebrated, you can share your concerns that success will breed complacency, but don’t miss the opportunity to tell your team, “Job well done!” and have a little fun celebrating the successes of 2023.

2. Focus on What’s Next?

While basking in the glory of success, leaders must not rest on their laurels. You should set new, ambitious goals that challenge both you and your team.?

There is only one surefire way I know to avoid complacency: continue to focus on growth.?

3. Encourage New Ideas

Often the idea of growth is tied to production numbers, but the real sign of growth is how your company is adding value to your clients and building a better business.?

Encourage team members to think outside the box, propose new ideas and try new things to create a better experience for your clients. This not only keeps your team engaged but also leads to continuous improvement.

4. Invest in Continuous Learning?

You’ve heard this one from me before. The growth of a company cannot outpace the growth of the leader(s) of the company. Great leaders understand the value of lifelong learning.

Nothing is more important to the long-term success of your business than the investment you make into your own personal growth and development. What will you do in 2024 to become a better business owner and leader?

5. Lead by Example

You set the standard. If you want to avoid complacency in your team, don’t become complacent yourself. You must consistently demonstrate integrity, accountability and a strong work ethic.?

It’s easy when you’ve had a great year to relax a bit. If you relax, others see that and decide it’s OK for them to relax also. Leading by example is the best way to create sustained success.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins that Keep Momentum Going

While setting and achieving big goals is crucial, it’s equally important to celebrate the small wins along the way. Recognizing and acknowledging the efforts of team members reinforces their sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue striving for excellence.?

When you’ve got a good thing going, you want to keep it going. It’s like Newton’s first law: An object in motion stays in motion. Keep your team inspired and achieving by recognizing the small wins you achieve throughout the year.?

?Seize the Momentum

This was a great year, and I believe 2024 will bring much of the same. But remember, nothing leads to failure more than success.?

We’ve planned several new things for 2024 to help you continue to grow into the best business owner and leader possible, so stay tuned.?

We all have an amazing opportunity to help a lot of people. Let’s not take that opportunity for granted.

Congrats on an incredible 2023! Now back to work!