“Why Is This Happening To Me?”
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Purpose comes first. What a great lesson for all of us. Much has been said about the importance of purpose in people’s lives, but it’s every bit as important for an organization. That’s why it’s so surprising to see what a lousy job some organizations still do in this arena. I’ve interacted with too many frontline people on the phone who, first, could not give me directions to the company’s building and, second, were unable to answer the question “What does your organization do?” If they couldn’t answer those basic questions, what are the odds they would’ve known why the organization existed?
~ John G. Miller, Outstanding, 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional
Humility is a key trait of outstanding organizations—and of individuals. Humility helps people be more likable and approachable, work better with others, and give better service to customers. It enables departments and teams to collaborate with other departments and teams. Perhaps most important, it allows people to communicate more freely, creating a culture of authenticity and accountability that every outstanding organization requires. Beyond all this, it might even win us a hug or two—and maybe there’s nothing wrong with that!
~ John G. Miller, Outstanding, 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional
Be Humble
Ben Franklin said this about pride: “Even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I would probably be proud of my humility.” That tongue-in-cheek humor really states a truth: After making the big sale, delivering the project on time, launching a winning product, or landing a promotion, it can be seriously hard to show humility. Yet that’s what we find in outstanding organizations.
~ John G. Miller, Outstanding, 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional
How fast is your organization?
Outstanding organizations have a tremendous sense of urgency. People get things done—quickly. There is little waiting around for approval, there are few meetings, and even fewer “committee decisions.” They resist creating burdensome policies, and where policies do become roadblocks, managers carry a sharp pair of scissors, consistently clearing the way for their people by cutting the red tape.
To be fast does not mean we should be foolish and be in such a rush that we make mistakes. Taking the time to make good decisions is critical—but outstanding organizations make good decisions faster. And they do it by creating a culture that sends the message: Let’s get it done . . . yesterday!
~ John G. Miller, Outstanding, 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional