One Trillion Dollars


Two weeks ago the news headlines stated that Apple had become the world’s first trillion dollar company. The value of its stock had reached a height never before seen. As one might imagine, this was cause for celebration within the company.

I was fascinated with the memo that CEO Tim Cook sent to his employees to mark the milestone. In the memo, Cook said:

“Today Apple passed a significant milestone. At our closing share price of $207.39, the stock market now values Apple at more than $1 trillion. While we have much to be proud of in this achievement, it’s not the most important measure of our success. Financial returns are simply the result of Apple’s innovation, putting our products and customers first, and always staying true to our values.

“It’s you, our team, that makes Apple great and our success is due to your hard work, dedication and passion. I am deeply humbled by what you do, and it’s the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside you. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the late hours and extra trips, all the times you refuse to settle for anything less than excellence in our work together.”

Rather than focusing on the significant financial achievement, Cook chose to turn the focus back on what matters most – the mission and values of the organization, and the people who make that happen.

Cook ends with these words:

“Steve founded Apple on the belief that the power of human creativity can solve even the biggest challenges – and that the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. In today’s world, our mission is more important than ever. Our products not only create moments of surprise and delight, they empower people all around the globe to enrich their lives and the lives of others.”

At Kettering Health Network, we have much to celebrate. As we do, we must always do so in the context of our mission and values, and the people who make this organization what it is. We must always celebrate our team who answer the Call to Care every day.

In Called to Lead, Section 2, we find this statement: “Health care organizations that are consistently performing well in patient experience and are building reliability and sustainability are fiercely focused on the human connections/relationships.” Like Apple, we celebrate our successes best by focusing on what brought us there – our people, and the relationships we build.

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