Exceptionalism
"It's never crowded along the extra mile." Wayne W. Dyer
I love that quote above. There are indeed, no crowds along the extra mile. Only exceptional people and organizations travel there. I had a wonderful opportunity this week to visit another great company seeking help as it balances rapid growth, service to its clients, and care of its people. We talked a lot about exceptionalism – what makes the company exceptional and what makes its people exceptional. In summary, it's going the extra mile. Companies go the extra mile with their customers and clients making them feel welcome, empathizing with their needs, and communicating with them frequently and professionally. This exceptional performance is reflected in their financial performance but also in places such as Google business reviews. Often, behind 5-Star reviews are exceptional people.
Exceptional people do exceptional things. They step outside their job description often to help other teammates, serve customers, and the support company’s mission and vision. Exceptional people do not remain hidden inside the 9-5 workday. The do extra things to better themselves professionally - reading, learning, and growing. Exceptional people do more than just understand and recite company values – they espouse them. They are shining examples of what exceptional companies need.
Indeed, there are many employees who only desire to do as they are told, draw their pay, and live their lives. These are not bad people. They deserve the same great leadership but they are not exceptional. They won’t be the ones singled out for advancement. They won’t be the future leaders of exceptional companies.
I’ve coached numerous leaders who wrestle with motivating their people – getting them to go the extra mile. I offer this role playing to them. “-insert name-, do you believe you are an exceptional person and employee? Do you believe this is an exceptional company? Tell me what behaviors and activities exceptional people display.” This conversation challenges (or should) a person who may feel entitled or who may believe they are performing exceptionally but are not.
It is the duty of leaders to grow their people into exceptional people. They ought to define what exceptionalism means for the company and for its individuals. They ought to have an inspiring cause and vision and a mission every teammate can rally around. In an exceptional company who seeks only #1 draft picks – exceptional people, the extra mile ought to be bustling.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell