Greetings.  Have you ever wondered who actually writes the short and sometimes insightful messages in fortune cookies?  You know, the "profound" statements that are intended to inspire or at least create a laugh.  Messages like:

• "A pleasant surprise is waiting for you." 
• "Congratulations!  You are on your way."
• "You are free to invent your life."
• "The best temperature is a warm heart and a cool head."
• "Don't just spend time.  Invest it."
• "Good news will come to you by mail."
• "You are going to have some new clothes."
  
• "No one can walk backwards into the future."
• "It could be better, but it's good enough."
• "Soon life will become more interesting."
• "You will find a thing.  It may be important."

And my personal favorite:

• "Disregard all previous fortunes."

Yet, as funny as it seems, the notion of fortune cookies might be a real key to your future success.  Think about it.  The most successful companies and organizations have a clear and compelling focus.  A commitment to an idea that matters to those they serve and inspires the collective genius of those they employ.  A powerful idea that guides their thinking, planning, acting, innovating, and growing.  An idea that answers the essential question "If we didn't exist would it really matter?" with a resounding "YES!"

So what is the idea at the center of your fortune cookie?  

We win in business and in life by creating a clear and compelling idea to guide us.  And by making sure that our path to achieving that idea is embraced by the geniuses we work with and the customers we choose to serve.  Maybe it's time to rewrite the message your business is based on.

Cheers and may the loyalty and determination of a thousand elephants travel with you in the year ahead!