*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.
It really is a cult. All the elements are there if you look closely.
When you’re promoting mediocrity, much of the time you don’t even realize it. If you’re giving the award to someone different every time so everyone can feel included, you’re not really focusing on excellence. You’re participating in the cult of mediocrity.
When you’re depressing excellence, much of the time you don’t even think about it. If you’ve given up on the importance of accountability in the workplace, stopped following through, or lost the trust of your team you’re helping to promote the cult of mediocrity.
The cult of mediocrity can be identified easily if you will just take a step back and observe.
Elements of the cult of mediocrity:
- Mindlessness.
- Going through the motions.
- “It is what it is.”
- Doing enough to get by.
- “That’s not my job.”
- Blindly following all instructions.
- Never asking questions.
- Sheepwalking.
- Going with the flow.
- Strong resistance to real accountability.
- Lack of long term vision.
- “We’ve always done it this way.”
- Fear of change.
If you look around your office and you can spot the cult of mediocrity at work, maybe it’s time to start taking steps to bring excellence back into the workplace. Why wouldn’t you?
Originally uploaded by ishmagination
If you pursue excellence in any area of your life…
- … your mission will be more than a vague mission statement everyone is supposed to have memorized.
- … you will be ahead of the curve much of the time.
- … you will welcome accountability.
- … your idea of what you stand for will be more than a few words hanging on a banner somewhere in your office.
- … you will not accept mediocrity.
- … you will understand mistakes happen, but will not make excuses for them.
- … you will know when to reverse course if necessary.
- … you won’t spin. Ever.
- … you will never mind being the exception to the rule.
“If not excellence, what? If not excellence now, when?” ~ Tom Peters
Flight
Originally uploaded by abbyladybug
Politicians spin. Commentators spin. Lawyers spin. PR firms spin. We know and understand that.
We don’t want doctors who spin. We don’t want mechanics who spin. We don’t want leaders who spin.
The fact of the matter is we generally want people to be direct and upfront with us when it comes to the most important things in life. What health issue do I have, doctor? Be upfront with me and tell give me options for being treated. What is wrong with my car, mechanic? Be upfront with me and tel me how much it will cost. Where do you want me to follow you, leader? Be upfront with me and lead me down the right path.
Spinning is a terrible practice for a manager, or anyone in a position of leadership. People usually know when they’re being spun and will often feel like you’re not taking them seriously. When an employee comes to you with a serious concern, if you answer them with cliches and talking points, you are spinning. There’s no way around it.
The next time you’re presented with a problem, instead of the usual spin, try this:
- Listen to the problem. Talk less.
- Try to understand where they’re coming from.
- Be empathetic.
- Be honest.
- If you do not know, say so.
- If you cannot help, say so, and then point them to someone who can.
- Be direct. Be open. Be concise.
It’s simple, I know. But, sometimes I think some would rather spin than be upfront about the important issues at hand. Which is sad, because nothing will ever be solved through spinning. Not to mention the fact that trust will begin to erode when you use spinning as a way to address others.
Leaders: Don’t spin. Ever.
*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.
Beach umbrellas pattern – aerial view
Originally uploaded by photomato
The best ideas aren’t always the easiest to see. If they were, the best ideas would always be implemented.
How does this apply to you?
It means the best idea isn’t always going to be the most popular. It means the best idea won’t necessarily be the one supported by your VP, your CEO, or any others of significance. It means the best idea might just fly in the face of the status quo and be perceived as radical. It means the best idea may just be under your nose, you just have to take a moment and look closer.
Ultimately, all of this means you should always be listening. Right?
*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.
Bruce Wayne has nothing on this kid.
Originally uploaded by Banjo Brown
- It’s true. There’s someone in your office who doesn’t like you.
- It’s true. There’s someone in your life who thinks you’re annoying.
- It’s true. There’s someone out there who would rather you fail.
- It’s true. There’s someone you know who thinks you’re doomed to failure.
- It’s true. There’s someone at work who thinks you’re crazy and your ideas are even more so.
- It’s true. There’s someone who doesn’t like you, no matter what you do.
- It’s true. There’s someone who thinks they’re more deserving than you.
- It’s true. There’s someone who is more deserving than you.
- It’s true. There’s someone who never laughs at your jokes.
One more thing that’s true.
You will never please everyone. Simply do your best. Grow. Improve. Be kind. Work hard. Be respectful. Encourage. Listen. Build something. Stay focused. Have fun.
Oh, and don’t worry too much about those you cannot please. They’ll always be around anyway.
“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” ~ Bill Cosby
