Posted on Apr 9, 2012

What has your organization accomplished – lately?

There is something very unique about an organization, in a market-driven economy. Once it’s registered, it becomes a living breathing entity. This is true for both for-profit and not-for-profit.

Leaders come. And leaders go. But the organization remains.

This is also true about customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, partners, and even volunteers. They come and they go. And the organization continues.

Yes, some organizations disappear. The most common reason is because they choose to sell themselves or merge with other entities. While some file for bankruptcy, many larger organizations tend to file for bankruptcy protection, with the intent of continuing on.

Even the remaining shell of a public company will get picked up in a reverse merger. As long as some perceived value remains, the organization will do whatever it can to survive.

But there’s a difference between organizations and people.

Understanding the Difference

Much has been written on the dangers of evaluating ourselves based on our personal accomplishments. A very telling statement is: “We are not human doings. We are human beings.” Personally, it is better to evaluate ourselves based on who we are (or have become) and not on what we’ve accomplished.

However, unlike human beings, continual accomplishments are essential for an organization’s survival. That’s why so much focus is applied to it.

A lengthy period without demonstrating accomplishments – that is, success, achievement, victory, etc. – will initiate the beginning of the end for an organization.

A maker of parts in a value chain that can’t deliver quality or consistency or in a timely manner will soon be avoided.
A research & development firm that can’t uncover a useful solution to solve a relevant problem will stop being funded.
A non-profit that stops adding value to its constituents or no longer fulfills its mission will soon be abandoned.

Continual accomplishments are integral to the ongoing success of any organization.

The Value of Accomplishment

As a differentiating value, Accomplishment means successfully completed or brought to an end. It also means to be highly skilled.

For organizations, it’s about the first part – the successful completion of something. Yes, the starting of initiatives is important. But for every organization, success is based on finishing something – again, and again, and again.

Revenue is measured by what is accomplished.

The number of widgets sold.
The number of projects completed.
The number of successful trials.
The number of proven concepts that have potential to move forward.
The number of meals provided to the homeless.
The number of patients who have received counsel on how to manage their disease.

Thus, accomplishments are measurable. And they are meant to be celebrated.

The power of accomplishment

Don’t be shy. Share your organization’s accomplishments. Tout them. Promote them. Encourage them. It’s what feeds the engine for the organization to not only survive – but also thrive.

As the old saying goes, success breeds more success.

When things are going well, more customers tend to buy, more people want to work there, more investors take a closer look, more suppliers bang on your door, and even more individuals want to volunteer.

But remember….

Accomplishments are designed to support the organization. Don’t let the accomplishments take over your soul.

As an individual, you are just a contributor ensuring the organization continues – today, tomorrow, and after you are gone….