A Passion for Excellence (Not Power)

 

Our world focuses a lot on the concept of power. We pursue power. We admire power. We curse power. We are measured on power. But power does not equate excellence.

There is a big difference between a passion for excellence and a passion for power. The pursuit of excellence is a God given gift. It is a critical component in society. It is characterized by a healthy respect for quality, and the use of God given talents in ways that please Him.

The pursuit of excellence glorifies God. The pursuit of power glorifies oneself. The quest for excellence is a sign of maturity. The quest for power, not so much.

Excellence Not Perfection

 

Some people say they are always striving for perfection.  While that may be an admirable goal, I am not sure that perfection is actually attainable in anything.  There is a business book that is over 25 years old entitled, In Search of Excellence.  It is a great business book, and its' principles are still followed today.  Excellence is more achievable than perfection.  People and businesses can actually be excellent at certain things.  We should strive for excellence, but not perfection.  One of my favorite organizations, Leadership Montgomery County, emphasizes this in one of its’ core values, simply stated as, “Excellence – Not Perfection”. Consider this quote...

 

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God's business."

Michael J. Fox

Leadership -MBWA

A great leadership concept was introduced in the late 1970’s in the book “In Search of Excellence”.  It is called Management By Wandering Around (MBWA).  The basic idea is that you have to be out among the troops to know what is going on.  That concept has stuck with me over the years.  I am not always good at it, but I try.  You really can’t know what your staff is doing unless you spend some time in their space.  You have to feel the pulse of the team, hear the heartbeat of the staff, and listen to the noise in between productivity.  Leaders who stay holed up in their office are considered out of touch for a reason.  A leader who spends no time touching base with his people cannot be in touch with what is going on.  It is really quite simple, but you have to get up and wander around to put it into practice!  MBWA…