Rule of Three

“Rule of three” is a general rule that states items, concepts, and ideas presented in threes are more impactful and memorable.  We tend to recall information when presented in threes. The concept is utilized frequently in books, speeches, films, even public safety campaigns.

However, when I refer to the “rule of three,” I am using it in a very different context.  I am relating to the three common factors that successful individuals, businesses, and organizations have in common.

And these three common factors could be the difference maker in:

• Getting the career opportunities of a lifetime
• Attracting revenue growth for your business
• Developing the best and brightest talent

The three factors are PERFORMANCE, EQUITY, and VISIBILITY.

Early in my career, like most people, my focus was on getting off to a fast start, making an immediate business impact, and learning to navigate the corporate culture.  I was starting right out of graduate school.  And let’s face it, like most of my peers, I focused on avoiding corporate land mines and understanding the landscape. It was a powerful mixture of ambition, nerves, and excitement.  But even during those early years, I had the benefit of being really clear on what was valued.  And performance was at the top of the list.

Performance was the #1 driver of opportunity.

In some cases, strong performance may mean:

• A business substantially increasing revenue or income
• An individual delivering a breakthrough goal in a corporate environment
• An organization creating demand and new business opportunities with the best talent

When I refer to performance, I mean it in the sense of delivering results, delivering tangible value, and having a high personal regard for exceeding expectations.  I knew that building a track record of results would accelerate my career and open doors.

When you think of a business, organization, or an individual in your life who is successful, I can guarantee you that they are strong performers and deliver results.  And they more than likely operate at the top of their industry and peer group.

It means they are going above and beyond standard expectations.  They never let up or take their eyes off the prize  When there is an opportunity, challenge, or problem to be solved, they are the ones we go to first, because they always deliver.

TO PUT IT SIMPLY,  PERFORMANCE IS A GAME CHANGER.  IT IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER.

IT IS GLOBAL CURRENCY. 

It is a common language that’s understood no matter where you are, the industry you work in, or the type of business you operate.  It is value.  It opens doors and creates opportunities like nothing else can.  It is a key driver of success.

So if performance is a key driver, what is the second factor?

As my career progressed, my time was spent on increasing sales and aligning business strategy with CEOs and senior executives at corporations.  To be considered for a higher level of accountability, I had to demonstrate a strong level of performance, as well as something else.

I needed to have a positive equity.

So what is equity?  And why is it important?

Equity is the culmination of the skills, talents, capabilities, and experiences you bring to the table.  It’s the unique value you bring to a business, career, or organization.  It’s how you show up.  It’s what you’re known for.  It is your personal branding.  And there is a direct correlation between your equity, credibility, and authority.  They simultaneously impact each other.

If you, your business, or your organization has a high equity, you tend to have a high level of credibility and authority as well.  They go hand in hand.  A high equity fosters trust and attracts opportunity to you. Conversely, if you have a low equity, your credibility and authority will suffer.

PERFORMANCE DRIVES OPPORTUNITY.  BUT EQUITY GIVES YOU LEVERAGE.

Here is the essential takeaway of equity. Those who have substantial equity are regarded as authoritative and highly credible.  They are the sure bet.  They have a strong track record and reputation.

How does a strong equity manifest itself?

Businesses with strong equity tend to have a steady stream of customers and endless revenue growth potential.  Individuals get access to the most strategic and lucrative career choices. They have the highest earning potential.  Organizations will attract and develop the best talent.

But performance and equity are only two components of the equation.

The third factor that drives success is visibility.

I learned firsthand that visibility was the catalyst for finally getting the exposure required to succeed.  Because without it, you could be the world’s best kept secret.

Performance and equity work in tandem to increase your level of visibility.  And that increased visibility gives you exposure to stakeholders, executives, and industry leaders.  It gets you access to the right decision makers.

One aspect of visibility is about getting yourself in front of the right client, customer, or audience during those important moments.  But it’s also about your level of impact and scope of influence.

Those individuals with a lower level of visibility typically are more transactional, insulated, have low impact, and focus on current thinking.

Those with a higher level of visibility are focused on transformation, thought leadership, innovation, are strategic, and act as a change agent.

Those are the people you want to develop business partnerships with long-term.  You want their talent in your organization.

IF PERFORMANCE DRIVES OPPORTUNITY.  AND EQUITY CREATES LEVERAGE. 

VISIBILITY EXPANDS ACCESS. 

With that said, how do all three factors fit together?

Those businesses, individuals, and organizations who are successful, tend to have these three factors in common. They have a high level of PERFORMANCE, EQUITY, and VISIBILITY.

WHEN PRESENT, AND IN BALANCE, THEY CHANGE YOUR SUCCESS TRAJECTORY.

THEY REPRESENT THE PERFECT TRIFECTA.

And that is the sweet spot.

THE INTERSECTION OF THESE FACTORS IS WHERE GROWTH ACCELERATION AND TRANSFORMATION TAKE PLACE.

Those three common success factors drive opportunity, create leverage, and expand access.  They differentiate you in every situation.

They are highly sought after commodities.  They represent currency.

And that currency is accepted everywhere in the world.

If you are ready to transform your business, accelerate your career, or develop high-performance talent, visit the contact page to schedule a strategy session.

To join our community, you can subscribe to the email list, access the “Rule of Three” blog, or listen to the “Rule of Three” podcast. This is where I share insights, strategies, and solutions to help you in your journey.