The Scorekeeper’s System
Yesterday, at the Monthly Leadership Seminar (click here for an outline), we discussed how each of us has the opportunity to define success for ourselves. Unfortunately, many people don’t take advantage of this opportunity; consequently, they strive to meet other’s definition for them. Using Mark Sanborn’s latest book, Up, Down or Sideways, we examined the “scorekeepers system”.
• If you change your scoring system, you change your game
• The scoring system determines how the game will be played
• Although there are some generalities, success is specific to each individual
• Most people do not have a written definition of success
• Often we let others (parents, friends, teachers, culture, etc.) define success for us
• Many people have a philosophical definition (what we would like it to be) and a very different functional definition (how we live)
• Many people have never imagined a life that is any different than the one they are living
• Most people organize their life and work around one of four scoring systems. There is overlap between the four systems, however, one is usually primary:
- Results – focus on achievements
- Recognition – focus on acknowledgement from others
- Recreation – work is a means-to-an-end. Focus on fun.
- Relationships – focus on people. Think “who” before “what”
Each person in clarifying their scoring system should consider what, why, cost & commitment.
What’s your definition of success?