Is there a leader who inspires you because of their excellence? What about a professional coach? Business expert? Entrepreneur?

I’ve come to realize there is a lost art today… excellence. There is much good today and very little excellence. Greatness and excellence always require that extra x-factor. 

Excellence is never an accident. Excellence comes when you ask of yourself more than anyone else. 

I like what former NBA World Champion Coach Pat Riley said, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” 

I’d like to share five powerful keys to excellence:
1. Show up early
My father, very successful businessman had a saying, “On-time is late.” He taught me the value of being early and being ready for the assignment at hand. Being late occasionally can happen to the best of us and if it happens too often, you risk being labeled, “the late person.” Be intentional and disciplined with your schedule. It demonstrates the high-value you feel for others and your discipline. On-time is late so show up early and be excellent with your time management. 

2. Learn, try, grow
Learn new skills, try new approaches to old ways of doing things, and always grow and commit to improving yourself. A lot of my coaching clients (and close friends, too) know I committed to reading a book per month back in 1995. I haven’t stopped improving because I haven’t stopped reading. Be excellent!

3. Follow through with excellence
Who do you need to follow up with? Excellence is never an accident or after thought, it is a result of high intention, follow through, sincere effort, and skillful execution. 

4. “And then some…”
Do what is reasonably expected of you “and then some.” Keep your own intentional performance standard. I remember years ago meeting one of the Seattle Mariners baseball players down at the ballpark prior to a game. It was 2:30pm, the game started at 7:00pm. Who was doing early batting practice, all alone with a coach? Edgar Martinez, a future Hall of Famer. Talk about an internal performance standard of greatness! 

5. Inspire by what you model
Don’t be ordinary. Combine great relational skills with a reputation of great execution. Model excellence in every way you can – it will inspire others and confirm you are a leader of high excellence. 

Here’s to your excellence! 
—Steve