Pursuing Excellence

15. Nov, 2011 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce excellence? Excellence is the result of giving our best for the benefit of others. There is a huge difference between “getting by” and “giving our best.” These two approaches bring about very different results.

Those who do just enough to “get by” go through life trying to fix only what has to be fixed. They tend to react only when absolutely necessary. They grab a bucket of water to put out the fire when they start feeling the heat. On the other hand, those who “give their best,” make what is good even better. They proactively look for potential problems to solve to prevent fires from starting.

“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” Colin Powell

Excellence is found in being proactive. There is potential for excellence wherever a need exists. All it takes is the motivation of one person to notice the need and be willing to meet the need and excellence is close at hand. The story is told of a bellman who helped an elderly lady to her room and learned that her medication had been left behind. He found the need and knew what he had to do.

At the end of his shift, the bellman changed his clothes and headed to his car. He didn’t head home. Four and a half hours later he pulled into a neighborhood in Los Angeles, and he knocked on the door of her home. The woman’s son answered and provided the bottle of pills.

Climbing back into his car, He drove back to the hotel in Las Vegas. He only stopped long enough to put on his uniform before delivering the pills to the surprise and delight of the woman. (Joel Kurtzman, Common Purpose) The bellman was not interested in “getting by.” He gave his best for the benefit of another and it resulted in doing his job with excellence.

Excellence is enjoyed when five actions come together:

1. Attitude

Motives impact attitude. If recognition is what motivates us, a prideful attitude will lead to resentment when we are overlooked. But, if our motivation is to serve others, a humble attitude will not seek out the spotlight. When recognition is given, it will come as a pleasant surprise and gratefully acknowledged as a blessing. Excellence is the outcome of a right attitude guiding our actions.

2. Authenticity

We are authentic when we say what we mean and mean what we say. Working behind the scene to manipulate the outcome hurts relationships and damages credibility. When what we say matches up with what we do, we strengthen our credibility. Excellence comes through open honest discussions where ideas are shared unreservedly and people are free to be themselves.

3. Aptitude

Outcome will match aptitude. We put the outcome at risk when we take on a task that is beyond our ability. We deliver excellence when we are aware of our own limitations and accept that we aren’t equipped to do everything. When we are aware of our capabilities, others are empowered to contribute out of their strengths. Excellence is achieved when everyone is encouraged to operate out of individual strengths.

4. Accept

Where there is a need, there is an opportunity to accept responsibility. A proactive response to meeting needs declares a willingness to take responsibility regardless of the sacrifice. Acceptance requires sacrifice. People who give their best are willing to find a solution to make life better for others. Excellence is found in accepting responsibility.

5. Adaptability

Surprises are inevitable. The way we handle surprises largely determines if we will reach excellence. The ability to adjust in the moment is vital to producing excellence. Inflexibility stifles. Adaptability stimulates ideas. The process usually exposes weaknesses and those who are flexible are able to adjust as they gain more understanding. Excellence develops out of an ability to adapt.

We all know when we witness someone “getting by.” Life is like an intersection with no traffic signals, complete chaos. A chaotic life is a tension magnet that leads to painful conversations. But when we see someone “giving their best,” the outcome is refreshing and motivating, like drinking a favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Excellence is realized when we choose the right attitude, genuinely care for others, operate out of our strengths, accept responsibility for the need, and adapt as we gain understanding. Giving our best for the benefit of others results in excellence.

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My thanks goes out to the Communication Arts Team at Oak Hills for helping develop the five actions through our monthly leadership discussion.