Success-driven culture is about clarity.

Magdalena Zbyszynska
Jun 10
5 min read

As a leader, your grounded leadership allows others to define their success. Encourage honest conversations about goals, align team objectives with personal values, and celebrate progress that matches individual success markers. Success-driven culture is about clarity, not competition. Are you chasing someone else’s success, or creating your own version of it?

What does success mean to you?

It’s a seemingly simple question, yet when we take a moment to pause and reflect, it unpacks layers of discomfort and complexity that we often overlook in our daily lives. Success is not merely a one-size-fits-all concept; it is deeply personal and can vary significantly from one individual to another.

Too often, we find ourselves measuring success against standards that are not our own, inheriting definitions from societal norms, cultural expectations, or the achievements of those around us. These inherited markers of success often include prestigious titles, significant achievements, and the images we see portrayed in media. We scroll through social media feeds, we compare our lives to those of others, and we follow trends that seem to dictate what success should look like. In this constant cycle of comparison, our own aspirations can begin to feel distant, or worse, entirely untrue to who we are and what we genuinely desire.

In light of this, it is crucial to take a step back and reevaluate our understanding of success. Let’s realign our perspectives. Let’s reclaim our definitions of success from the clutches of external pressures and societal expectations. It is time to define success from within, drawing from our unique values, passions, and dreams. This process involves introspection and a willingness to explore what truly brings us fulfillment.

Redefining Success: Embracing Personal Growth and Authentic Journeys

Is it the joy of pursuing a passion project?

The satisfaction of building meaningful relationships?

The peace of mind that comes from living authentically?

By engaging in this self-discovery, we can cultivate a more profound sense of success that resonates with our individual journeys. Moreover, redefining success allows us to appreciate the nuances of our experiences. Success is not solely about reaching a destination; it is also about the growth we experience along the way. It encompasses the lessons learned from failures, the resilience developed through challenges, and the courage to pursue our true desires despite the noise around us. By embracing this broader perspective, we open ourselves up to a richer, more fulfilling understanding of what it means to succeed in our own lives.

So, let us take the time to reflect on our values and aspirations, to ask ourselves what truly matters, and to create a personal definition of success that is aligned with our authentic selves as individuals and as leaders. In doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and fulfillment. Together, we can foster a culture that celebrates diverse paths to success, recognizing that each individual’s journey is valid and worthy of respect.

Four bulbs on black; three unlit, one glowing. Text reads: "Are you chasing someone else's success or creating your own version of it?" — Do Not Chase - Create Instead

Don’t trade your authenticity for approval. -Danielle LaPorte

Chasing external validation can silence your inner voice. Success, at its most powerful, comes from alignment, not applause.

Success & the Inner Discomfort

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. And yet, many leaders fall into the trap of imitation, copying strategies, behaviours, even leadership styles that conflict with who they really are. That conflict? It shows up as inner discomfort - feeling off, overwhelmed, or out of place.

Here are three signs:

You’re achieving but not fulfilled
This sign often manifests when individuals find themselves reaching significant milestones, whether in their careers, personal lives, or other areas, yet they still feel an underlying emptiness or lack of satisfaction. Despite the accolades, promotions, or achievements they accumulate, a sense of discontent lingers. This disconnect can stem from pursuing goals that do not align with one's core values or passions, leading to a realization that external success does not necessarily translate to internal happiness. It is crucial to reflect on what truly brings joy and fulfillment, as recognizing this gap can be the first step towards a more meaningful existence.
You feel pressure to keep up rather than slow down
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals experience a relentless urge to maintain a certain pace, driven by societal expectations, workplace demands, or personal aspirations. This pressure can create a constant state of anxiety, where the thought of slowing down feels like falling behind. The fear of missing out or not meeting the standards set by peers can lead to burnout and exhaustion. It is essential to acknowledge this feeling and consider the importance of self-care and taking breaks. Slowing down can provide the space needed for reflection, creativity, and ultimately, a more balanced life.
You second-guess your instincts, even when they’re clear
When individuals find themselves doubting their gut feelings or intuitive responses, it can indicate a deeper issue of confidence and self-trust. This self-doubt may arise from past experiences where decisions led to unfavorable outcomes or from external influences that undermine personal judgment. Constantly second-guessing oneself can hinder decision-making processes and lead to missed opportunities. Building self-awareness and practicing trust in one's instincts can help counteract this tendency. Engaging in mindfulness practices or seeking feedback from trusted friends or mentors can reinforce confidence in one's abilities and insights.

Reclaiming your definition of success means stepping away from the noise. Listening inward. Creating goals that match your values - not the market’s pace.

The Leader’s Role in Realignment

Your team feels it when your leadership is grounded. They also feel it when you’re drifting.

As a leader, you don’t just define success for yourself, you create space for others to do the same. Too often, employees push for performance without understanding purpose. They burn out chasing metrics that don’t feel meaningful.

Here’s what helps you as a leader to help yourself and your team:

Encourage honest conversations about individual goals.
It is essential for leaders to foster an environment where team members feel safe and supported in sharing their personal aspirations and professional objectives. This can be achieved through regular one-on-one meetings, open forums, or team-building activities that prioritize communication. By actively listening to each team member's goals, leaders can better understand their motivations and challenges. This not only strengthens the relationship between the leader and the team but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their development, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
Align team objectives with personal values.
It is crucial for leaders to recognize that each team member brings their unique set of values and beliefs to the workplace. By taking the time to understand these values, leaders can create a more cohesive team dynamic where individual and collective goals are harmoniously aligned. This alignment can be facilitated through workshops or discussions that explore both team objectives and personal values, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of purpose in their work. When team members see how their contributions directly relate to their values, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to achieving both personal and team success.
Celebrate progress that matches people’s own success markers.
Recognition is a powerful tool in any leader's arsenal, and it is vital to celebrate not just the end results but also the incremental progress that individuals make towards their goals. Each team member may define success differently, so it is important for leaders to understand what success looks like for each person. This could involve acknowledging milestones, providing constructive feedback, or simply expressing appreciation for effort and dedication. By celebrating these achievements, leaders can reinforce positive behaviors, boost morale, and create a culture of appreciation and motivation within the team.