There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.

The phrase "Going the extra mile" may come across as a bit cliché, but in fact, it's what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. It's about understanding the need to push forward no matter what obstacles arise.

Having such a mindset produces positive results and ensures that no matter what challenges arise, one will overcome them. It is also a great way to inspire any team to see what works and implement the same.

Getting the job done

#Bboxx Nigeria had a memorable year in 2021, exceeding most of its key targets in its first year. However, it was not all plain sailing; we encountered numerous obstacles and challenges but still completed the task.

One such instance: our first Solar Home System customer installation in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. As our first customer, I accompanied the team on this trip, eager to see the product in action after months of planning.

Unfortunately, the customer canceled the installation halfway through, so our team had to dismantle everything and repack it into the van. The team was dejected and highly discouraged. The loss of the sale would imply driving back to Lagos with nothing to show or report to our stakeholders.

It was about 3 p.m., and there was no backup customer for that day, so I acted quickly and called a potential customer, who lived 50 miles away in Ibadan, Oyo State. She was delighted to book the installation. I told the team that we were not going back to Lagos but rather to Ibadan, and we set off after grabbing some fast food to eat along the way. Time was of the essence because sunlight would begin to fade at 5 p.m (not good news for a solar installation !)

When we arrived, we got right to work, overcoming various on-site issues and finishing the installation, which included a fan, lights, and phone charging units. The customer was delighted, and the team's morale was at an all-time high.

Driving back to Lagos, I couldn't help but think, "Thank goodness we went the extra mile" (actually 50 miles!) because it completely changed the outcome for the day. This learning set the tone and attitude we adopted for the rest of the year and for 2022, which has already started with a bang as we launch another shop in Ikorodu, Lagos serving the electrification needs of its residents and eradicating energy poverty.

?The #pathway to sustained success

That day reinforced essential lessons for me. To begin with, going above and beyond the call of duty ensures that you achieve your immediate goal. Relying on minimal effort will not prepare you for the inevitable challenges on your life journey.

One must develop the extra mile mindset to achieve your goals consistently, such as good customer engagement and follow-through. It will help you grow your business faster, get you promoted more quickly, and live a more fulfilled life. Going the #extramile in your career entails anticipating what is needed and seeing it through to ensure future advancements.

As a #leader, going the extra mile also sets an excellent example for your teams and those you are grooming to be tomorrow's leaders. As a result, they will be more focused, loyal, and inspired to deliver to a higher standard, which is excellent for business performance.

So make this year count, give it your all, look back on your accomplishments on December 31st, 2022, and say, "Wow!