As you already know, opinions are divided — sometimes sharply divided — about what is necessary to achieve success in business.

According to the best sources of which I am aware, these seem to be the most important ingredients:

o A sense of urgency
o A shared commitment to Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno: “One for all, all for one.”
o Frugality and prudence insofar as resources (hours and dollars) are concerned (“waste not…”)
o Mutual respect and trust
o Zero tolerance for incivility
o Leadership at all levels and in all areas
o One galvanizing BHAG (i.e. Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
o Fail small, fail fast, and fail often
o Collaboration on personal growth and professional development of everyone involved
o Employee-driven internally and customer-driven externally

As I never miss an opportunity to point out, the companies annually ranked among the most admired and best to work for are also annually ranked among those that are most profitable and have the greatest cap value. That is not a coincidence.