We know that the greatest successes in business come when we meet the needs of others. This is true in every sector, in every industry. We all admire the likes of Bill Gates, Henry Ford, JP Morgan, Ratan Tata, Walt Disney, J.W. Mariott, Sam Walton, Azim H. Premji and more.
What do they all have in common? Their unwavering desire to meet needs; to fix problems and make things better. And awareness is the precursor; the kernel from which needs are revealed.
In the corporate world, without awareness, our vision is limited; we see without really observing. Without awareness, we remain in a bubble, oblivious to the changes around us – unable to recognize real needs waiting to be met. A lack of awareness also hampers the ability to recognize shortcomings or, indeed, capitalize on strengths.
Developing awareness in a corporate setting requires, among other things, effective goal setting. It is this defining and crystallization of goals that enables focus and accountability.
Internalizing these goals and having a plan to achieve them keeps us alert and, most importantly, aware. Aware and vigilant in ensuring we are operating in ways which are aligned to our vision — aware of potential pitfalls and deviations from our mission – aware, at a deeper level, of what’s really going on. This awareness then enables us to sift through the clutter; zero in on root causes; squarely face real problems and challenges, and ultimately achieve optimum results.
Thus, having actionable awareness brings you clarity, focus and spontaneity. You remain alert and ready to respond to every situation with the totality of mind, body and spirit, enabling you to align each action with a higher purpose.
Awareness leads to a deeper and more enduring experience of success.