From the Dean’s Desk: The KISS of Success By Gina Lopez, College of Management What is success? What is a KISS? Is there any connection or link between these two terms? Well, let us find out. First, let us look at the definition of success: Success (n.): the achievement of something planned or attempted; impressive achievement, especially the attainment of fame, wealth or power; something that turns out as planned or intended.  It’s synonymous with terms like achievement,

accomplishment, victory, triumph. Many other words tossed around the business world can also be associated with this term.

Everyone in the world  seeks success and many have devised their own ways of achieving it. Success adds sweetness to one’s life and that is why people are always aiming for success. Success in one’s studies, career or business is always there for people who have the KISS of success. 

A “kiss” is commonly known as a gentle or passionate touch with lips or a very light, almost imperceptible touch in passing. We also have the not-so-sweet “kiss of death,” something certain to destroy or ruin us. However, “the KISS of success” in the field of management or business means something slightly different.

Everyone should keep in mind the KISS of success, especially given the current situation of the global crisis. The economic downturn presents more opportunities to enhance our KISS. In the global crisis, everyone need not live in despair but rather embrace the crisis as a way to create alternative ways of doing business. 

The people who succeed are the ones who do not lose hope in any given situation. They have more KISS in managing the survival of their business. They have more KISS in facing the consequences of crisis. They have more KISS in overcoming their weaknesses and most importantly, they have more KISS in achieving success in the middle of crisis. How strong is your KISS? How determined is your KISS? And how long is your endurance in using your KISS to achieve success? 

I have been pressing the word KISS here. Let us uncover the meaning of the KISS I want to share with you.

K = Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier

I = Ignore those who try to discourage you

S = Stop procrastinating

S = Seek more resources

What do you think about this KISS? Is it inspiring? Now we can say that the terms SUCCESS and KISS have a connection. Many authors of books about planning or setting goals refer to KISS as “Keep It Short and Simple,” and others say “Keep It Short Stupid,” but with my KISS you will be inspired to achieving your goals to succeed. We can also transform the acronym to mean this:

K = Knowledge

I = Initiative or Innovation

S = Self-Awareness

S = Skills

More exciting, isn’t it? Of course, if you want to succeed, you need to seek more resources to improve your KNOWLEDGE. You need to have INITIATIVE to keep yourself going and INNOVATION to keep giving people new ideas, concepts and options. You need to have SELF-AWARENESS to keep your feet on the ground and stay up to date with what is happening in your surroundings. And most importantly you need to enhance your SKILLS to secure yourself amid competition, especially in the era of globalization when no one is indispensable. 

At all times you will be in the midst of insecurities from your work and from your business operations. Therefore, the presence of KISS in your studies, career, and business has its significant role toward success. Every letter in the word KISS is essential ingredient to achieve success. As many people believe you cannot spell s-_-c-c-e-s-s without “u,” meaning it is not complete without YOU, you must also understand the importance of the KISS of success. The impact of KISS in one’s life achievements is undoubtedly produces long lasting benefits. 

So shower yourselves with the KISS of success!