In Search of Excellence

Earlier at the beginning of the week, I learned of the passing of my college football coach, Howard Schnellenberger. He was 87.  

I had the opportunity to visit with Coach and his lovely wife Beverlee at their home in 2017, and I'm glad I did (see picture below).  I don't know why, but felt a need to see him. The last time we had seen one another was the night of the University of Miami's first of Five National Championships - Coach's last game as the head coach at the "U".  

I merely wanted to acknowledge and thank him. Before he arrived at Miami, we weren't very good. Just one winning season in the several years prior with no bowl games since 1967.

Coach saw something at the "U" that others did not see, and contrary to the advice he received, he took the head coaching job anyway. He saw potential. He had vision. He was determined, prepared and consistent, and he set high standards. 

Coach also had a plan to make The University of Miami a force to be reckoned with and a national contender. He achieved that vision and paved the way for two decades of excellence. Even today his legacy continues.

A.I.M. High for Greatness

If you want to be great and have a great company, or team, or division or whatever, then I recommend you consider the following, what I call the A.I.M. to Lead System™. Aim high. Aim for greatness.

Over the years, I've learned a great deal from coaches, leaders and colleagues in both athletics and in the world of business. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to leadership. I've been a part of champions and losers. And I've experienced the differences between them. Being a winner and a champion feels a whole lot better.

Good or Great, It’s up to you.

So my questions to you as leader are, "Are you satisfied with where you are as a leader? Are you satisfied with the results of your team, your division, your company?"

Jim Collins in Good To Great wrote, "Good is the enemy of great". Good is okay, but it's not great. So why not strive for greatness?  

If you're satisfied with where you and your company are at, then great. Good for you. Maybe it's time for a new challenge or time to do something different or just let things unfold as they are.  But if you're not, what are you going to do about it?

Take 100% responsibility - for everything

I like to say "Everything Flows from You". Your company and your team are a reflection of you and your thoughts, your actions and your vision. 

If you're not satisfied with how things are, then where do you start to make the changes you need to make? It starts with you.

The A.I.M System™

The A.I.M System™ is designed to take you from where you are to where you want to be. This 12-Month program has three phases: Awareness, Integration and Mastery.

Awareness 

First, assess the current state of things like results, culture, the players on the team, etc.  Accept where you and they are. Acceptance does not mean to be resigned. It's not fatalistic. Acceptance is being ruthlessly and unabashedly honest with yourself and the current situation as it is. Then decide on what you want the future to be.  

• What defines that future?

• What of your culture aligns with that future?

• What legacy do you want to leave behind?

• Where are the gaps between the current state and the future you desire?

• What are the breakthrough goals, the BHAGs, that will get you to where you want to go?

Integration

Second, what strategies will best enable you and your team to close the gaps?

• Develop the strategic actions and tactics that will propel you forward faster toward achieving your greatest goals.

• Pivot, Adjust, Refine, Act. Implement the strategic actions and tactics and then evaluate the feedback and results.

• Adjust where needed, refine again and then take action creating a continuous feedback loop. Repeat.

Mastery

Third, decide on the new habits that will maintain momentum.  

• What behaviors are consistent with the company values and culture? Behaviors not words matter.

• Frequency and Repetition of actions and alignment of messaging are critical.

• Consistently emphasize, measure and focus on what matters most. Forget the other stuff.

• Establish a process of relentless and continuous improvement and growth for yourself and throughout the organization that becomes second nature.

• Then enjoy the success that will surely result from an energized team, raving customers and peace of mind and the satisfaction that you and they got it right.

Some Final Thoughts

We are embarking on a new phase as the economy picks up momentum, unemployment falls (now at about 6%), the numbers of the vaccinated increase and stimulus begins to make its way through all parts of our economy. 

There will be new challenges and some of the old ones, too.  These challenges will continue to include employee physical and psychological safety, the future of how we work together as teams and maintain culture, the quality of customer service and delivery on our promises, among the countless challenges ahead.  

Take the time now to decide what greatness looks like.  Is it worth it to achieve it? I think it is. Do you think so?  

If you do and want to learn more about the A.I.M. System™ for Greatness and Success, book a quick call with me right here.  No selling.  Just some insight and perspectives.

Until Next Time!

p.s. Book a call with me here to learn more.

John J. Fenton is an executive leadership coach with 40 years of business and leadership experience who specializes in working with high performing CEOs and Senior Leaders and their teams in leadership and development. He is the author of 5 Minute Mastery™, a bestseller on Amazon.