Using the correct measure

When you think of success nowadays, you are affected by what society sees as success. Success in the media is centred on power, money and winning. The people who are successful by that measurement tend to reflect the worst aspects of the human condition. They are selfish, vain, bullying, uncaring and aggressive. You see that in the people who get to the top in politics, media ownership and tech companies. In this world there is no place at the top table for anyone with principles, kindness, understanding or altruism. If they get near the top then they will be brought down by the media or the state or the company.

For me, success is being a good person. Success is making life better for others. Success is doing a good job and learning to do an even better job by picking up ideas from others. Success is sharing your own ideas that might be of benefit to anyone else. Success is making people smile for the right reasons.

None of those measures of success mean anything to people in charge of countries and companies. The new CEO who comes in saying that they value and want to work with their staff to improve the conditions soon shows their true colours. If it turns out they aren’t pretending to value the ideas of their staff, and are actually interested in changing the way things work, the board will soon oust them to ensure that the status quo is protected.

Human nature being what it is, the worst amongst us will rise to the top through cheating, bullying and lying. They will be seen as successful by society in general, but true success lies in making a life that gives others the chance to find success of their own. I just wish more people realised this.