Unexpected Success

It takes effort to perceive an unexpected success as an opportunity. The element of surprise allows one to step beyond established judgments, biases, and prejudices. This is why unexpected success fosters a fertile ground for innovation. These innovative opportunities are associated with the least risk and require less effort to implement. Nevertheless, unexpected success is almost always ignored; moreover, management actively strives to prevent it. One reason managers reject unexpected success is the inherent belief that "normal" success is programmed and must be achieved through effort. For example, in 1970, one of the leading steel companies in the USA rejected the idea of building small steel mills. The management knew their steel mills were becoming outdated and that modernization would require billions in investments. A small new steel mill became the solution to this problem. A plant acquired almost by accident soon began to generate profit. Representatives of the younger generation of company managers proposed redirecting funds intended for modernization toward acquiring and building new mini-plants. However, top management indignantly rejected this proposal. Thirty years later, the most successful steel companies turned out to be the mini-mills. TIP OF THE DAY: Do not neglect or reject unexpected success. Recognize it and leverage it to achieve further success.