Be Exceptional - Stand Out!

We’re all familiar with the well-received book by Jim Collins, “Good to Great.” However, what does it look like to be exceptional?

Most are good. They get by, measure up, and fly under the radar with enough of a performance to avoid notice. Some are great, and they exceed the accomplishments of those who are good. They sense that they are accomplishing more, doing more, better than their competition, and more profitable.

Exceptional means unusual or not typical. The exceptional people and organizations are the Hall of Famers. They are the ones that are not only good, but they are also great, and then they take it to the next level and are exceptional. They stand out because they are rarely duplicated. They have dedicated themselves and their organizations to going above and beyond to ensure that there is no doubt left in the observer’s eye that they are special and exhibit next-level performance and behavior.

I was coming home from a flight where I experienced poor service from one person and exceptional service from others within the same company. The gate agent was either training or having a bad day or something, but it was clear that she wasn’t interested in my travel experience. Essentially, it was not a positive experience.

On the following two separate flights, I was greeted by smiling faces and welcomed aboard. One flight attendant went above and beyond to warm an infant's baby bottle, and another cooed with another baby to help the stressed-out parents. They asked if there was anything they could get for me multiple times. Upon deplaning, the pilot thanked me for flying with them and to enjoy the rest of my day. I witnessed team members going above and beyond; they were exceptional. I had an exceptional experience.

Kudos for being good; hats off if you are great but elect to pursue what few do and be exceptional.