Abstract
M.Phil.
The purpose of this essay was to identify the components of success from the literature and
to test the components in practice to see to what extent each component formed part of the
success experience of a financial institution's senior management. The result was evaluated
from a Personal and Professional Leadership perspective.
Attention was given to the concept 'success' by describing and explaining the concept.
Possible Personal and Professional Leadership guidelines to experience success was
investigated and recommendations were made to the financial institution in this regard.
A quantitative and descriptive research strategy was followed. The primary research
methods used in the study included a survey, word and concept analysis. A word and
concept analysis of the word 'success' was undertaken, while a literature study was
conducted, to investigate current data documented on the subject of success. A
questionairre was developed to determine the success experience of the senior managers
of a financial institution. The data was analysed, compared and interpreted.
The most important findings of the study are as follows:
• From the literature study and the empirical results of the investigation it was found
that success is not necessary prosperity or money. Although money can be an
advantage it does not guarantee sustainable success.
• Success is not a single component for example accomplishment or achievement.
Success asks for a holistic approach constituted multiple components. From the
literature, 31 components of success were identified. To experience true success
balance in terms of all the life dimensions is required.
• Three success factors were identified in this study. The first factor is about the
"inside-out" success experience (intrinsic factor). The second factor is an "outside-in"
success experience (extrinsic factor). Both factors must be acknowledged in success
aspirations. The third factor is a PPL-factor. Taking action is a result of the "insideout"
factor. This component is calculated, well thought through and based on an
awareness of who I am; where I'm going, and why I am going there. It also includes
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• knowledge about my purpose in life, understanding my potential and realising my
potensial. This action should further be build around the individual's character and
principles.
• Success is primarily not happiness. Success and happiness is not a goal to be
achieved but a byproduct of that which is longed for.
• Success is not power or influence. You could achieve success in this regard by
reaching a certain position at work ant think that you have arrived. This position
does not indemnify you from an empty and unfulfilled feeling.
• Success is not achievement and can not only be measured against achievement
alone.
• Success is a journey. How do I use each day? Do I make the best of each
opportunity? Do I see the opportunity around me? Do I take the necessary action?
• More than two thirds of the respondents linked success with the realisation of their
goals, the reaching of certain milestones, living in balance with their life dimensions.
• Respondents that are 37 and older is more inclined to experience success in their
emotional life in contrast with those under 37 years.
• Very happy people are more inclined to experience success in terms of their social
end emotional life than people that are fairly happy.
From this study, it can be concluded that one must know what success is in order to
achieve it. There is as many definitions of success as there are people thinking about it.
Success in one area of your life does not mean overall success. Balance in all the different
life dimensions of life is essential. You must know who you are, where you stand with
yourself, what you would like to do and take the necessary steps to get there. All these
aspects are based on the principles of Personal and Professional Leadership. The
conclusion can thus be made that PPL can make an important contribution to experience
success in a balanced way.