Focusing on outcomes without process typically leads to the creation of heroes inside the organization. These great individuals can accomplish much, but without the ability to transfer that capability, the growth potential ultimately becomes capped. The hero will eventually wear out, and then success slows or ceases altogether.

The question then becomes how do you leverage the hero’s capability? How do you multiply their success to others? A foundational process allows the hero’s knowledge to transfer. Getting the strategy, behavioral patterns and processes out of the hero’s head provides a mechanism for others to work the same process into success. The process alone will not guarantee success, but not creating the process will indeed guarantee its limitation. The best heroes discover how to make this transition. The worst heroes become scared of this being successful, causing fear of the success of others and protection of their own distinction as hero. These people then begin the dangerous transformation in their own minds from hero to savior.

If you are a particularly strong contributor, you may be a hero.   Look around; is your slice of the organization successful largely because of you? Would it decline significantly if you were not there? Congratulations on being good at your job. Well done. Now stop limiting growth and figure out how to leverage your hero qualities for the success of others. This way you can be REALLY successful and make a real difference.