Raising the Level of Aspiration: Cultivating ambition beyond the workplace.

Let’s play a game. Think back as far as you can to when you were young. I want you to identify your first role model. No, you can’t choose your parents and family members for this game. I want you to think of someone who raised your levels of aspiration who you did not know personally.

Funny enough, mine was Bruce Wayne. I aspired to have the house, the cars, the suits, and of course fight crime at night. I haven’t achieved this quite yet.

In reality, my first role models were athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo or Wayne Rooney. They pushed me to be better at my sport and helped me recognize the limitless potential that some athletes have. Of course, my professional soccer career didn’t pan out either!

As I got older, I started to read about Cameron Hanes, Tony Robbins, and Mark Cuban. All of a sudden, my ambitions became very different. My whole life changed as I began to follow individuals who were hyper-performers and highly impactful.

Although I have several role models and influential leaders in my personal and work life, I still benefit greatly from those individuals OUTSIDE my social circle. Influencers in my life who I will likely never meet. Having a higher level of aspiration BEYOND the workplace can be highly beneficial FOR the workplace.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations must continuously strive to elevate their aspirations to stay competitive and innovative. While internal role models play a crucial role in inspiring employees, it’s equally important for both employees and leadership to look beyond their own walls and draw inspiration from influential business figures outside the organization. This practice of raising the level of aspiration can lead to fresh perspectives, enhanced skills, and a more motivated workforce.

The importance of looking beyond.

Relying solely on internal role models can limit the scope of inspiration and ambition within a company. While having strong leaders and mentors within the organization is vital, it’s easy to become insular, with employees and leadership adopting a narrow view of what’s possible. By expanding the horizon to include external influences, companies can introduce new ideas, challenge existing paradigms, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Learning from external business leaders and industry experts can expose employees to innovative strategies, different management styles, and emerging trends. It can also provide a sense of what’s possible when one pushes beyond the status quo. This not only inspires employees to aim higher in their own roles but also encourages the organization as a whole to set more ambitious goals and strive for greater achievements.

Building a culture of aspiration.

To cultivate a culture where aspiration is consistently elevated, companies need to be intentional about creating opportunities for employees to learn from and engage with influential figures outside the organization. Here are some practical ways to achieve this:

→ Invite business consultants to the office: Bringing in seasoned business consultants can provide fresh perspectives on the challenges your company faces. These consultants can offer tailored advice, share best practices from other industries, and introduce innovative approaches that might not have been considered internally. Regular sessions with consultants can keep the company’s strategic thinking sharp and aligned with broader industry trends.

→ Utilize keynote speakers for company events: Hosting events with keynote speakers from outside the organization can be a powerful way to inspire employees. These speakers, often industry leaders or successful entrepreneurs, can share their experiences, insights, and the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers. Their stories can motivate employees to think bigger and push the boundaries of what they believe is possible in their own roles.

→ Provide access to paid training and development programs: Investing in employees’ professional development by offering access to paid training programs, workshops, and seminars led by industry experts is another way to raise aspirations. These programs can introduce employees to new skills, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced methodologies that can be applied in their day-to-day work. The knowledge gained from these opportunities can elevate the company’s overall capability and drive innovation.

→ Host Q&A sessions with successful business leaders: Inviting successful businesspeople for Q&A sessions with your company allows employees to interact directly with those who have achieved significant success in their fields. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for employees to ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights into the mindset and strategies that have driven these leaders’ success. Such interactions can be incredibly motivating, showing employees that success on a grand scale is within reach.

Why this matters.

Raising the level of aspiration within a company has far-reaching benefits. It can lead to increased employee engagement, as individuals feel more motivated to strive for greater success when they see what’s possible. This heightened ambition can also drive innovation, as employees are encouraged to think creatively and challenge the status quo.

Moreover, a company that consistently seeks external inspiration is better equipped to adapt to changes in the market and stay ahead of the competition. By continuously raising the bar, such companies are more likely to achieve long-term success and sustainability.

The role of leadership.

For these initiatives to be effective, leadership must champion the importance of looking beyond the organization for inspiration. Leaders should actively participate in these programs, demonstrating their own commitment to learning and growth. By setting an example, leaders can encourage employees at all levels to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and ambition.

Leaders should also be open to implementing the new ideas and strategies that emerge from these external influences. This openness not only shows that the company values innovation but also reinforces the message that everyone has a role to play in driving the company forward.

Begin with the potential in mind. 

Creating a culture of elevated aspiration doesn’t require massive changes overnight. It can start with small steps, like inviting a guest speaker to an upcoming company meeting or offering a stipend for employees to attend an industry conference. Over time, these efforts can build momentum, leading to a workplace culture that is dynamic, forward-thinking, and always striving for greater success.

To sum things up, raising the level of aspiration within a company is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By drawing inspiration from influential business figures outside the organization, companies can introduce new ideas, challenge existing norms, and motivate employees to reach new heights. This approach not only benefits individual employees but also drives the organization toward greater achievements and long-term success.

Ask your team who their first and current role models are. This could be a fun and rewarding exercise!