The Difference Between Success and Excellence

A road with an arrow and the word 'EXCELLENCE' painted on it.

Most people believe success and excellence are interchangeable terms. After all, if I’m successful I’m excellent, right? Not so fast… Results Versus Potential Success is an absolute term. If you are the highest producing salesperson, win the game, or beat the earnings forecast, you are successful. Success in the performance world is about achieving outcomes…

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Understanding Process and Outcome

A 3D chart highlighting 'Plan', 'Execute', and 'Desired Outcome'.

If I had to choose a single concept most important to achieving sustainable excellence, it would be understanding the relationship between process and outcome. This principle is key to professional excellence but also to realizing your full potential in any area of life. Master this concept and life becomes simpler, more productive, and more focused.…

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Do You Have The Discipline For Excellence (Part 2)?

Compass needle pointing to compliance instead of directions.

In my last post I described the first of a three-step process for achieving sustainable excellence: Your individual, team, relationship, or organizational goal plan is the process you follow to achieve sustainable excellence. It is the roadmap and guide for accomplishing your ultimate vision. The second step is discipline. Simply said, did you honor the…

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5 Steps To Avoid Complacency

Hand holding a trophy up against a bright blue sky and sun.

Remember the fire in the belly you felt on the way to achieving a goal? The goal might have involved a project execution, career advancement, or a sports championship. You came to work each day focused and energized. Yet as you reached your goal, it’s likely that a subtle process began to take hold, one…

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Is Team Building a Waste of Time?

Diverse group joining hands in unity and teamwork.

Mention the words “team building” to a group of senior leaders and you can feel the collective groans, sighs and various other forms of displeasure. Most senior leaders feel traditional team building is a waste of time. This might seem curious coming from an executive coach, but I agree with them. Except for the social…

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Can You REALLY Let Go of the Outcome?

Blurred businessman pointing at the word 'Solutions' on a transparent board filled with business terms.

I’ve written before about the concept of process versus outcome in achieving sustainable excellence (see Understanding Process & Outcome). For a leader, coach, or performer, the basic concept is simple: Focus on the task at hand and let the outcomes take care of themselves. I’ve spoken with countless clients about this over the years. But…

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What All Leaders Can Learn from NASCAR

Group of five race car drivers in colorful racing suits and helmets posing together.

This weekend the NASCAR racing series returns to the Talladega Speedway. Last year I was interviewed by Megan Englehart of Fox Sports about the pressures facing young drivers in the Truck Series elimination race at this track. As the circuit returns to Talladega this year, I’ve reflected on some lessons all leaders can learn from high-pressure events…

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REI Reaps Rewards By Putting Purpose Before Profit

A person hiking on a sunlit mountain trail with scenic views.

As we approach the holidays, retail businesses are in high gear preparing for their most profitable season. For many companies, the holiday season largely determines their outcome for the year. The fate of leaders during this season has a profound effect on their careers. Miss your targets and your job may be in jeopardy. Resulting…

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