Excellence in Cyprus

A couple of days ago I left the country of Cyprus where I was working with an excellent organization called OEB. They are a non-profit who serve industry and business throughout this delightful little country. Small in size but huge in desire and potential. Maria S. and Petros P. from OEB are two of the most outstanding people I have ever worked with. Everything they did in connection with the conference and on-site professional visits was done with excellence. Thank you!!

If ever there was a guy who appreciates Excellence, I'm the guy. I love watching people going above and beyond the normal. Regardless if it's athletics, business or personal life, I admire excellence! Excellence comes from the word excel which means to go beyond average.

Most people are satisfied with "average." A "C" grade in school has become good enough or even worse (as we use to joke in college) "2.0 and roll." We have developed a mind set of good is good enough.

You can see it in vision statements from companies's that declare their desire of "meeting customer expectations." Hey! How about "exceeding" customer expectations? You see this "average " mentality with companies' who are making "budget plan" which has become the driving force of the organizations. You even see it in the sloppy, casual appearance of over weight and out of shape young professionals.

In Jim Collins book "Good to Great" he brilliantly illustrates how good has become the enemy of companies and why they will never experience GREAT. Why? Because of their satisfaction with normal or good enough.

It's the little things that carry you and your firm beyond average. This is what I experienced with OEB and several companies throughout Cyprus.

I view excellence as a life style and attitude more than a mandated company policy. Often it's the little things that are not required that push people into the "beyond average" category. People and organizations who are "class acts" behave with excellence ALL the time. Here are some examples.

1. Starting on time for meetings and appointments.

2. Being where you say your going to be when you say you'll be there.

3. Getting off your butt (guys) while the plane is loading to help a struggling woman lift a bag in an over head bin.

4. Looking for those opportunities to help, rather than turning away when you see someone lost or confused.

5. Having an agenda and plan which is thoroughly communicated to everyone affected well in advance.

6. Insuring that you begin your day by remembering that you really are "no big deal" but have been blessed by God to have what you have and be in a position of influence for the greater good.

7. Answering emails regularly and in a timely manner as a habit (a specific pet peeve of mine.)

8. Be kind. Something lost in today's society. Just plain ole "kindness" to every person regardless of social or economic status.

9. Establishing a healthy life style and looking like a person of excellence. As my friend Mary Price says "dress for the job you want, not for the job you have."

10. Giving a genuine "Thank you" when deserved . Which brings me to...Thank YOU Cypriot professionals for your demonstration of excellence!