Recently I've been thinking a great deal about
excellence. What does it mean to strive
for and to achieve excellence? I've
realized that excellence is not perfection.
Those who hold perfection as their ultimate goal invite
disappointment. However, striving for
excellence is something we can all do successfully. A mindset of excellence is something to be continually lived.
Remember it is the journey.
A few days ago I dug out two cloth bags from my garage with
the intention of using them at the supermarket so I may consume less plastic
and paper. A few days later when
checking out I realized I had forgotten my bags in the car. The guest service advocate who was helping
me placed my groceries into plastic bags.
Upon leaving the store I felt terrible.
I had made a commitment to make a greater contribution to the world for
the next generation and I had not followed through with it. I had a conversation in my head as many of
us do. Actually, it was more of an argument.
I began to rationalize that next time I'll use my bags and it was
okay. I then employed a technique I
often teach during seminars and workshops.
(I encourage you to utilize this technique.) I asked myself a specific
question. The question was: am I living my life with excellence right now? With that, I took action and transferred the
groceries from the plastic bags into my cloth bags. I proceeded to take the plastic bags back into the store and asked
that they be reused with another guest.
As I drove out of the parking lot I felt great!
The above story may seem trivial, however, the lessons
gleaned from it apply to all. The
outcomes we produce are based upon the hundreds of choices we make throughout
our day. So many feel powerless over
their environment. They often complain
about the organization they are working with and the world they live in without
realizing they in their own way are responsible. Remember, one person does make a difference and collectively we
are more powerful than we will ever be individually.
I have found, over the many years of developing people and
helping to create organizational culture, there often exists a lack of
standards of excellence and or actions that lead to an organizational culture
that supports such a mindset. In order
for an organization or an individual to strive for excellence, it is imperative
that it be defined and lived by everyone.
If you do not already have a standard of excellence created for yourself
and your organization I encourage you to give some thought to what it would
mean for you and your organization to operate in and strive for excellence. Not
some of the time, but all of the time.
Speaking of time, begin now!
If you would like to contribute an idea for an up coming
article or want more information about the many services I provide through
Peter Scott's Competitive Edge please visit my web site at www.PsCompetitiveEdge.com.
Until next time, continue to strive for excellence!
Peter Scott
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