Winning in the Workplace - E is for Excellence

Would it surprise you to know that the most important standard for your performance in the workplace should be yours and not your organization or your boss? Yes, it should be one they approve and/or are impressed by, but not one that you should be compelled to deliver.

That is the Excellence Mindset.

·?????? This mindset says that you do consistently what others do occasionally, and you do it the same way or better every time.

·?????? This mindset says that when things go wrong, you don’t look for who to blame, you look for how to solve the problem.

·?????? This mindset says that “good” is only good enough for today; tomorrow needs to be “better”.

Having an excellence mindset means adopting a set of attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that prioritize continuous improvement, high standards, and the pursuit of mastery in all your endeavors.

Excellence is a mindset that permeates every aspect of one's professional life. Whether it's delivering a flawless presentation, meticulously crafting a report, or simply responding to emails promptly and courteously, excellence manifests itself through a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

It means that it is something you start displaying from the moment you step into the workforce and maintain throughout your career.

For example, a recent graduate starting as a customer service representative may demonstrate excellence by consistently going above and beyond to address customer inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and ensure customer satisfaction. By doing so, they not only enhance their skills but also contribute to the positive reputation of their team and company. In the process, they are mastering the basics of time management, attention to detail, and effective communication.

A mid-level manager can demonstrate excellence by inspiring their team to reach new heights, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, and consistently delivering projects on time and within budget. By leading by example and holding themselves and their team to the highest standards, they not only earn the respect of their peers but also position themselves as invaluable assets to their organization.

A CEO who embodies excellence leads with integrity, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of business operations. By driving sustainable growth and profitability, they set the standard for excellence at every level of the organization. Prioritizing excellence in decision-making, leadership, and execution, they inspire confidence among stakeholders and position their company for long-term success.

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Three Types of Professionals in the Workplace

1.???? Those that do less than expected.

2.???? Those that do just enough and no more.

3.???? Those that do beyond.

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When you make excellence a mindset, it means it is not simply a singular act, it is part of your value system and guides your decision-making.

It means it is a HABIT.

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Cultivating a Habit of Excellence

Regardless of your role or level within an organization, cultivating a habit of excellence is achievable through intentional effort and commitment. Here are some practical steps that professionals can take to develop and sustain excellence in the workplace:

Set Clear Goals: Define what excellence looks like in your role and establish measurable goals to strive towards.

Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.

Continuously Learn: Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and new technologies to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Take Ownership: Take ownership of your work and hold yourself accountable for delivering high-quality results consistently.

Lead by Example: Be a role model for excellence by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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Evidence of the Excellence Habit

§? Mastery: You have some expertise in the area.

§? Reference Point: You are known for that thing.

§? Consistency: You demonstrate the same high standards every time.

§? Creativity: You come up with ways of doing things differently.

§? Innovation: You develop new ideas of how to do things in that field.

§? Improvement: You are inspired to learn more so you can improve.

§? Raised Expectations: People begin to expect the same standards in other areas as well.

§? Multiplier effect: Your standards in one area start affecting other areas of your life.

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Excellence is not merely a destination but a journey—a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of higher and better. By embracing excellence as a core value and integrating it into their habits, interpersonal relationships, work ethics, and tasks, professionals at every level can unlock their full potential and achieve success in the workplace and beyond.

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