Success is not measured in years, but in decades.

Just about any person or organization can succeed for a day, a month, or a year. But true success is measured in decades.

Individuals and organizations who do the right things build success day by day and on a solid foundation – the kind of foundation that will stand the test of time.

4 Keys to Building a Solid Organization

1. Formulate a Vision
My friend Scott Fay, author of Discover Your Sweet Spot, will tell you that before the first shovel hits the dirt, you must have a crystal clear picture of what the end result will be. Otherwise, you could end up with an aesthetically pleasing structure that will collapse when even a slight wind blows. You must know the end result – in vivid detail – as you start at the beginning. Those who fail to get a clear vision…fail.

2. Lay a Strong Foundation
We see the massive Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago – 108 floors and 1,451 feet tall. It is impressive, to say the least. But what we don’t often think about is the fact that the construction of that building began with digging a 100 foot hole. Strong organizations are built in the same fashion – you must go deep before you can possibly go high. You must dig in and get REAL about the purpose and scope of the organization. You must lay a rock solid structure. The same applies to individuals, as I work with many emerging leaders on a daily basis. You have to go to the core of who you are before you can find the seeds you need to grow.

3. Work Smart
You can bet the engineers engaged to build the Willis Tower were the best of the best. They had each spent years gaining the expertise to do what they did. Any organization worth its salt will be built by people who have made it their business to learn all they can to build it as solidly as possible – people who think ahead and plan for all possible scenarios. Invest in the necessary training for your organization – expertise, training, and planning may not be profit centers, but they can certainly save, in the long run, on cost centers.

4. Form a Great Team
When you build a building – or an organization – designed to last a lifetime, it takes a massive team effort. It takes day after day of working together to create a structure that will last. There is no greater value to an organization than a dedicated team.

As you build, whether it be a life or a business, ask yourself if you are laying the foundation, formulating the vision, working smart, and forming a great team. That will give you the kind of success that can be measured in decades.

A personal note to you: I am very excited to tell you about a new (and FREE) webinar series I am hosting in partnership with my friend and respected business leader, Mike Harbour of Harbour Resources. Mike and I have been in the business of organizational leadership and development for a few decades now, and we have learned much about what it takes to build lasting organizational success. We’ve also seen what happens when you don’t. The Ignite Your Leadership Strengths series is designed with YOU in mind – to help you and your organization build a strong foundation. It is packed with tips you can take to the bank. We begin March 20, so click here to find out more TODAY. I look forward to sharing this series with you!