Professional
Excellence
By Tracy L. Stevens, MCC
“…the excellent companies were, above all, brilliant on the basics. Tools didn’t substitute for thinking. Intellect didn’t overpower wisdom. Analysis didn’t impede action.
"Rather, these companies worked hard to keep things simple in a complex world. They persisted. They insisted on top quality. They fawned on their customers. They listened to their employees and treated them like adults. They allowed their innovative product and service “champions” long tethers. They allowed some chaos in return for quick action and regular experimentation.”
Excerpt from In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peters
Tom Peters has clearly defined his findings about Business Excellence above.
Consider your definition for Professional Excellence at the individual level.
How do you define your own Professional Excellence?
For me Professional Excellence is part of the continuous learning process. Learning about opinions that are not my own and reading books, trade journals, the Wall Street Journal and other publications to broaden my horizons is a key component for me. Stretching outside my comfort zone to enhance my skills and performance continues to add to my growth. Increasing knowledge around business trends and practices supports my chosen profession of Business Coaching. What are you doing to grow in your profession?
Your assignment this week is to define “Professional Excellence” for yourself. How will you continue to grow and develop both personally & professionally?
At ninety-two years of age, Justice
Oliver Wendell Holmes was hospitalized. His friend, President Roosevelt, stopped
in to visit him and was surprised to see Justice Holmes reading a Greek Primer.
“What are you doing, Oliver?” ask the president. “Reading,”
answered Holmes. “That much I can see,” said the president, “but
why a Greek Primer?” The lifelong learner Holmes answered, “Why,
Mr. President, to improve my mind.”