Posts Tagged ‘excellence’
Take the Leader’s Challenge
While celebrating with my CEO coachee her recognition into the 2011 “40 under 40″ class, the keynote speaker introduced some reflective questions and character-building actions for all leaders. Consider these words of wisdom Jeff Sandefer of ACTON School of Business shared with the top young professionals recognized this year by the Houston Business Journal.
2) Make a list of your ” I absolutely will not ___________”. Store in a desk drawer that is handy to reach, so in times of ethical crossroads you can review your core principles.
3) Who is a someone you have never thanked, that has had a significant impact on your life? Write a letter to that person. Then, go to that person and read it to them. You will be transformed for the several months to come.
These suggestions, if acted upon, (1) will create change, (2) build character and (3) instill gratitude. Which of these 3 areas in your life are you seeing others lacking? Now, work the question with the associated number to complete earnestly and sincerely. Begin to see others changing around you!
Drive for perfection, yet strive toward excellence?
A guy who viewed himself as one of the most laid-back “happy go-lucky” executives in the world asked himself this question upon recuperating in the hospital from an unexpected bypass heart operation. How could the ticker lose its tock now, when it he had survived the early pressures of the infancy days of FEDEX losing $1million a month and when Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken threatened to go on the Johnny Carson show and blow the new CEO out of the water because he planned to change the formula of the gravy!
Frank shares his reflections in:
PERFECTION VS. EXCELLENCE
Perfection is being right.
Excellence is willing to be wrong.
Perfection is fear.
Excellence is taking a risk.
Perfection is anger and frustration.
Excellence is powerful.
Perfection is control.
Excellence is spontaneous.
Perfection is judgement.
Excellence is accepting.
Perfection is taking.
Excellence is giving.
Perfection is doubt.
Excellence is confidence.
Perfection is pressure.
Excellence is natural.
Perfection is the destination.
Excellence is the journey.
Written by Frank Maguire
The original Senior Vice President of Industrial Relations for Federal Express, Frank Maguire is credited by
CEO, Fred Smith, as creating the corporate culture that resulted in FEDEX being named “The Top Corporation of the Decade” by Fortune Magazine.
