High performance requires a common cause

Nothing motivates people like concern for the cause, says executive coach Art Petty. The right leadership is important to achieve remarkable results, but even more important is assembling a group of people that see the value in a common goal.

Hear Petty out before you roll your eyes and say, “That’s great, but we sell industrial lubricants. We’re not saving the world one gallon at a time.” The cause doesn’t have to be life-altering, he says.

“It’s the people believing in the pursuit —  whatever it is — that allows the cause to emerge as the final ingredient that promotes mirroring and the pursuit of success. Everyone must agree that what they are doing in aggregate and as individuals matters.”

Getting high performance is all about assembling the right team, baking in the right values and providing the right leadership. Then, mix in the right cause and stir and support for a few years. “It’s simple. Just not easy,” says Petty.

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