Lee Ellis's Blog, page 129

Guest Article – Striving for Excellence

By William T. Thompson

Many of us are familiar with the phrase “Striving for excellence.” We have probably been encouraged to do so by our parents or teachers in the past. It is easy to say but hard to put into practice.  At least that is the conclusion that I have come to.

I see the opportunity for excellence daily, but it seems to be an elusive ghost. A call to a company, not returned. A simple problem not easily resolved. A service call with the dreaded four-hour window. Why can’t I get a specific time, so I don’t have to waste half my day?

It seems that most businesses, organizations, indeed, most people are on autopilot for mediocrity and neuroscience seems to bear that out. Studies referenced in Psychology Today and Science Daily, have determined that taking the path of least resistance is ‘hard wired’ into our brains. It’s just easier not to do a little extra or go the extra mile.

MEDIOCRITY

To be fair, mediocrity is not bad. It’s being ordinary or of moderate quality, and that is where most organizations, or more accurately, the people that make them up, operate. But mediocrity is not a condition. It is a choice!  Neuroscience also shows us that through a process called neuroplasticity, our brains have the unique ability to adapt and change. Simply stated, we can choose to click off the mediocrity autopilot and purposely fly to a flight level of excellence.

EXCELLENCE

So, let’s review what excellence is; to be superior, to surpass, to outdo. Note that the definition doesn’t say anything about perfection, nor does it define what you should be superior to. Let me share my thoughts on enhancing the definition.

I would offer that excellence means to be superior to who you currently are; to surpass the effort that you have previously made; to outdo what you have been doing before. Can we all be better? Absolutely! Most of us can do more than we are currently doing and can be better than we currently are. Ability is not what keeps us from soaring. Self-discipline becomes the drag on flying high.

“THE HARD IS WHAT MAKES IT GREAT.”

Ok, I know what you are thinking. “Developing self-discipline is hard.” And you are right! But the question is, “Can you do it?” And almost every one of us can. Most of us are familiar with the saying, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” You have even probably said it yourself. The actual quote is slightly different and comes from the 1992 movie A League of Their Own—about a women’s professional baseball league during World War II. Coach Jimmy Dugan, played by Tom Hanks, is talking to one of his players, Dottie Hinson, who is played by Geena Davis. She has just quit their team right before they are to play in the World Series. She tells Coach, “It just got too hard.” Coach Dugan’s response: “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great!”

Do you want to be mediocre or do you want to be great? The decision is solely up to you.

My personal definition of excellence: Doing the very best you can today and looking for ways to be better tomorrow. Relentless improvement should always be the goal. Under this definition, excellence truly becomes your choice.

William T. Thompson is Founder of Captain “T” Speaks. Learn more at www.captaintspeaks.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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Leadership Awareness is a Wonderful Thing

There’s no better way to get better leadership awareness and understanding than with this new package combining two of our products, the award-winning Leadership Behavior DNA book and the personalized Leadership Behavior DNA report.

Save 20% when you purchase when buy both products together –

Purchase in the Online Store

 

 

 

 

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Today in Leadership History for November 8th

On this day in leadership history in 1956, after turning down 18,000 names, the Ford Motor Company decided to name their new car the “Edsel,” after Henry Ford’s only son.

What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders know to always connect purpose and meaning in their work with their colleagues and teams. Rally everyone together in something they can believe in!

Edsel – Wikipedia

 

 

 

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Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, November 6, 2020

“The responsibility of leadership is not to come up with all the great ideas but to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.” —Simon Sinek

 

 

 

 

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Coaching Clip – How to Balance Humble Confidence as a Leader

In this segment of leadership coaching from Lee Ellis, he shares the important leadership principle of finding the humble confidence balance as an honorable leader. When we learn and apply this foundational leadership attribute, our opportunity for long-term success grows. 

Want to go deeper on this topic? Get Lee’s book, Leading with Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton, in the Online Store.

 

 

 

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Giving Back Spotlight – see inside

Leading with Honor is proud to give our time, attention and support to the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Their mission is to assist, collaborate, and partner with Services, and agencies at the lowest level possible in order to provide Service members, Veterans, and Family members with informational events and activities, referrals, and proactive outreach services throughout the phases of deployment or mobilization.

Please learn more about their vital work on behalf of our military on Yellow Ribbon website

 

 

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Celebrating Voting Today!

Leading with Honor is celebrating our freedom to cast our votes as citizens today! Leaders go first, so remember to exercise your right today.

Also, download our free, non-partisan Voter Evaluation Guide

 

 

 

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Last-Minute Voting Research? Free Guide Inside

Reviewing local, state, and national political candidates today? Here’s a free, non-partisan guide to help you vote for the most honorable leader.

Download your free copy

 

 

 

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Today in Leadership History for November 1st

On this day in leadership history in 1512, Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were first exhibited to the public. What’s the leadership lesson?

As an honorable leader, how much pride and excitement can you and your team generate when it’s time to unveil your most proud and passionate accomplishments? Lead the charge in creating special moments.

Sistine Chapel – Wikipedia

 

 

 

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Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, October 30, 2020

“Clarity of purpose sharpens focus, lifts confidence, and promotes fulfillment. Unfortunately, many people are not living on purpose. Either they don’t know how to uncover their purpose, or they lack the motivation to search for it. No wonder they lack energy and zeal.” – Lee Ellis

 

 

 

 

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