The formula for success no longer reads like a math equation. Profits, quarterly performance, and growth rates don’t show the whole picture. Promotions, bonuses and window offices fail to satisfy. Sure, the hard elements of a great business model, clear strategic direction, excellent functional capacity, and focused delivery and assessment remain critical. But they are not sufficient. Meaningful success flows from an ever evolving essence of an organization — what it stands for, why it does what it does, how it delivers on a vision. The nice-to-have “soft skills” and nuance have become essential.

Is your organization crafting a compelling culture? Putting purpose behind the processes? Connecting values with energy? Offering space for experimentation, creativity and iteration?

Individuals and organizations that devote energy to values, internal dynamics and culture, personal/employee engagement win every time. They outperform. Change the game. Lead industries. Rank as tops achievers and workplaces. Enjoy success. (Look at companies like Pixar, Ideo, Zappos.)

Attuned leadership knows that dreams and aspirations matter and demonstrates their own clearly and frequently. Business has gotten personal, and it’s unfamiliar territory for many. A buttoned up demeanor and “rules” for leadership don’t connect or inspire. Individual motivation, while desirable, does not create the force and momentum possible with shared motivation.

Perhaps the hardest part is there is no agreed formula for this new flavor of business success. An executive can’t simply read the latest business bestseller and adopt new techniques. Instead s/he must connect the dots internally, consult with trusted advisers, open up and walk with the leadership team down a path of discovery. It’s corporate transition crafted through personal evolution. Connecting internally, connecting collectively and connecting an audience of consumers and constituents.

Are you taking steps to get personal in business? Maybe it’s time to start. Here are some possibilities.

Reflect on this quote from Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Who has left you with a memorable feeling in your life experience? In your business experience? What is it that made a personal impact for you? What feelings will you conjure in others as you lead teams, shape organizations, walk through life? How could you add even more of that to your professional efforts? When will you begin?

Make a list of what you care about — the topics, stories, situations that pull at your heart strings. How does this list apply to your work? Can you bring a little of what you care about to the office? Will you show up with intensity and allow others to see your softer, vulnerable side? Can you let others in so together you can take greater strides? I bet you can.

Lest you are scared away before you begin, realize this isn't a process of sweeping change. Rather it is a delicate opening. A dance with yourself, pushing your true colors — and perhaps your emotions — a bit closer to the surface. Yes, it may be awkward and will test your confidence. But even the smallest shifts will be noticed. You’ll feel it, because it’s personal and that matters in business today.