OPINION
our relationships, or polluted the planet to achieve it. Moving to a broader definition of success along the lines of the original triple bottom line of people, planet and profit would allow us to pursue the happiness of ourselves, those around us and society. To do this, we need to look after ourselves and be clear on what matters to us as individuals, as long as our definitions of success include a positive contribution to those around us and to society as a whole. That is how we achieve meaning and ensure we survive; it is also how we live a good life. MBA courses need to reflect this in their design and focus. A coaching client summed up the power of defining your own version of success: “My takeaway is that unless you have ownership of what success looks like, it is impossible to live a conscious life. By definition, you are dependent on someone or something else and that removes your ability to be in control of your own success and happiness. Feeling like you are in control of your own success and happiness is enormously powerful – you become bulletproof to other people’s judgement or behaviour.”
y It really is all about relationships. The study found a strong correlation between flourishing lives and relationships with family, friends and communities. Robert Waldinger, the study’s current director, states: “The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80. Strong relationships help to delay mental and physical decline.” Integrating the triple bottom line There is one element that must be included. No definition of success matters if we do not survive as a race. The threat of climate change will only be solved if we all work together
dierent for everyone; some will include money or likes, others meaning or health.
Research suggests some elements that need to be included in all our definitions of success. The Grant Study, also known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, is held to be the longest-running psychological study in the world. It was launched in 1938 with 268 Harvard sophomores, before adding 456 disadvantaged youths from Boston in 1967. Every year, the study has interviewed, tested and evaluated the mental and physical wellbeing of its subjects in pursuit of an answer to the question, “What makes a good life?” Another way of phrasing this question is “What is a successful life?” and there are three key takeaways from the study: y Success is long term – look over the arc of a life. There is no point in dipping in and out of people’s lives; a long-term view is needed. And in decision-making, much like investing, the long-term view is the key one: what impact will this have on my life in five to ten years’ time? y Emotional intelligence matters. Life is guaranteed to be full of triumphs and setbacks, and it is the ability to adapt and move forward that matters.
“Continuing with a one-size-fits-all version of success disadvantages so many people with crucial skills and talents”
and include this aim in our ambitions and aspirations. While we need to decarbonise, the exact solution is not yet known. What is clear is this next decade is pivotal in both finding the solution and accelerating
momentum towards carbon net zero. MBA courses and
graduates are uniquely positioned to harness the essential power of business to build momentum in this crucial decade. The current crop of students could be the greatest generation of this century. Could they be the key to our survival? Success at work or in our careers is of limited value if we have damaged our health, neglected
Ambition APRIL 2023 | 35
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