I’ve been talking about that word a lot. Why? Because excellence is well, excellence and it’s a great thing to strive towards. Who wouldn’t want their company, their employees, their products and services to stand for excellence. Be mindful that excellence is not perfection. Perfection and perfectionism hinders progress (see my video post on this). I know this because I’m a recovering perfectionist. If you’re striving to be perfect, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short. Typically it doesn’t serve you well because it’s basically impossible to get to.
Take a look at this definition for example: having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be. Hmmm . . . by who’s standards? That’s where it gets really tricky.
In 2023, as we continue our journey toward excellence, it’s vital to understand what this term truly means. While perfectionism may initially seem synonymous with excellence, a closer look reveals the pitfalls of the former and the virtues of the latter.
Perfectionism’s Pitfalls: Perfectionism, once my personal struggle, can be an obstacle to progress. Striving for perfection often leads to a never-ending cycle of feeling inadequate because perfection is an elusive standard. It’s like chasing a mirage in the desert—an unattainable goal that leaves you perpetually unsatisfied.
Consider this definition of perfection: “having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.” The ambiguity lies in the phrase “by whose standards?” This ambiguity creates a quagmire where true progress can drown.
Embracing Excellence: On the other hand, excellence offers a tangible path forward. Excellence is defined as “the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.” Unlike perfection, excellence doesn’t rely on arbitrary standards; it’s a practical pursuit. In 2023, this is where we should focus our energies—striving for excellence.
In the realm of leadership and high performance, excellence means consistently delivering outstanding results and continuously improving. It’s about setting realistic standards and achieving them consistently. Here’s how to approach excellence in the modern landscape:
1. Define Excellence: Begin by defining what excellence means for your organization, your team, and yourself. Understand the specific qualities and attributes that signify excellence in your context. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s tailored to your unique objectives.
2. Pursue Continuous Improvement: Excellence is not a static state but a dynamic journey. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Encourage personal development and professional growth among your team members. This commitment to growth fosters a climate where excellence can thrive.
3. Set Realistic Standards: Strive for high standards that are attainable and sustainable. Avoid the traps of perfectionism by setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals. Celebrate incremental victories along the way to maintain morale and motivation.
4. Adapt and Evolve: The business landscape of 2023 is characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. Excellence requires adaptability. Be prepared to adjust your strategies and tactics as circumstances evolve, always aligning with your pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, as leaders and high performers, our aim in 2023 is clear: to embrace excellence as the driving force behind our endeavors. It’s a path free from the burdens of perfectionism, guided by the principles of continuous improvement, and tailored to our unique aspirations. Define excellence for your journey, and then wholeheartedly be it. In this pursuit, we’ll not only elevate our companies, employees, products, and services but also nurture personal development and growth as the cornerstone of our success.
But excellence is something altogether different. Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Now that’s something that’s doable, don’t you think?
So let’s strive for excellence in business. Define it. Then be it.
Biz Practitioner
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