Replicating Success in Leadership: Success Leave Clues.

Updated: 6 days ago

This week, I've been thinking a lot about success. Well, specifically the definition of success, and how it's so different for so many people.

Recently I was published in Inside Small Business (if you missed it, you can read it here), and my inbox has been full of questions, all with a similar vain... 'How'? I've spent a lot of time in reflection to better understand what the journey has been so far.

This week I've been running a few leadership workshops for different organisations, and there's always a variety of people in the room, some who 'get it', and some who don't (yet).

I think some (most) people define success as 'luck', I believe in creating your own luck.

So here, are my thoughts (so far) on success....

Success in leadership isn’t luck or random—it leaves clues. The most successful leaders understand that by analysing their past successes, they can replicate those outcomes in the future. Successleaves a trail of strategies, behaviours, and decisions that, and when identified and applied, can lead to continued success.

*If your past success markers aren't getting you the results you want, look to those whose successyou'd like to model, and follow their clues.

The Power of Reflection in Leadership

One of the most important skills a leader can develop is the ability to reflect on past successes. Reflection allows you to analyse what worked, why it worked, and how you can apply those lessons to future challenges. One thing I notice with leaders is they're so busy moving onto the next thing, that they forget to reflect, and often underestimate what they've achieved.

Take time to reflect on your achievements (we call this a 'Ta-Da' list). What were the key factors that contributed to your success? Was it a specific strategy, a particular decision, or the way you engaged with your team? By identifying these success factors, you can begin to see patterns and develop a playbook for future success.

Identifying Success Factors

Analyse Your Wins: Start by identifying specific successes in your leadership journey. Whether it’s a successful project, a strong quarter, or a well-executed strategy, take time to analyse what made these successes possible. What decisions did you make? What actions did you take? How did your team contribute?
Recognise Patterns: As you analyse your successes, look for patterns. Are there specific strategies or behaviours that consistently lead to positive outcomes? By recognizing these patterns, you can begin to develop a framework for replicating success in the future.
Document Your Insights: Keep a record of your reflections and insights. Document the strategies, decisions, and actions that led to success, as well as any lessons learned. This playbook will serve as a valuable resource when facing new challenges or opportunities.
Apply What You’ve Learned: The final step is to apply what you’ve learned to future challenges. Use your success playbook as a guide, adapting and refining your strategies as needed. By leveraging your past successes, you can approach new challenges with confidence and clarity.

The Role of Continuous Improvement

Replicating success isn’t about resting on your laurels—it’s about continuous improvement. As you apply your success strategies to new challenges, remain open to learning and adapting.

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and so should your approach to leadership.

Success is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving.

By reflecting on your successes and applying those lessons to future challenges, you can build a legacy of consistent, sustainable success in your leadership.

Success leaves clues, and by reflecting on your past achievements, you can replicate those successes in the future. Analyse your wins, recognise patterns, document your insights, and apply what you’ve learned to new challenges.

By doing so, you’ll develop a playbook for success that will guide you through your leadership journey. Remember, success is not a destination—it’s a continuous process of growth and improvement.

Embrace it, learn from it, and lead with the confidence that comes from knowing you have the tools to succeed.

Until next time, Eat the Frog, Get the Worm, Be the Bird and take a beat to reflect on your past successes.