I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately as I prepare some new topics for talks, and work on new tools and curriculum to aid in coaching emerging leaders. As I’ve read a treasure trove of great books, I find myself musing about how the parties involved will win, or will want to define their win.

I’ve concluded that most of us prefer to win, and that winning, in general, is good, most of the time. The news is littered occasionally by winners run rampant, drunk with success, power, and influence, and corrupting the outcome by dealing in excess. More often, however, winning leads to great outcomes, like valuable new products and services that enrich the human experience, jobs, opportunities, tax revenues, and the like. As a capitalist, I’ve decided that when society moves forward and when people win, it’s more often than not, a social good.

In the last year, I’ve become acutely aware that my naive view of the world occasionally over-simplifies things, and I have a tendency to assume that my friends, family, and clients will want the same exact things that I want. It’s been a revelation that sometimes they’re interested in a completely different “Win” than the one I would have assumed would hold their passion. Not everyone is motivated by the same things, clearly. While some crave progress, growth, profit, revenue growth and increased marketshare, there are also intelligent, well-adjusted folks who are striving for more time doing what they love, with the ones that they love. I have a client who reminds me frequently that he’s making enough money already, and more money is not going to materially improve his situation, but more time with his kids WILL!

Note to self: The world is not flat….

I just finished a tremendous first year as a certified Professional Business Coach, and I’m working with over 20 souls who all have their own Nirvana, their own special brand of heaven, their own “Win”. Here’s hoping that as the second year in the business unfurls, we will continue to stay in touch with the right “Wins” for our valued clients. If you’re interested in winning, you might be interested in Jack and Suzy Welch’s 2005 Masterpiece, “Winning”, it’s a hell of a book!

I’m steadily working to expand my sphere of influence and working to make my clients more successful in gaining ground on their “Wins.” If you get a minute, tell me about what will make the next year a success for you. What’s your Win?